Many of us will look to make modifications to our homes to make them work better for our everyday needs. Whether that’s because your family is growing, you’re now working from home or parts of the home have become tired and outdated.
Whatever the reason, not all renovations need full planning permission. Some projects can be completed under what is considered “permitted development”.
However, it’s always a good idea to check with your local planning authority, builder or architect to confirm whether planning permission is required for your specific project.
With that in mind, let’s take a look in more detail at what could be covered under a “permitted development.”
Which home improvements don’t usually require planning permission?
While simple DIY tasks such as painting and decorating may seem obvious that they are projects that don’t require planning permission, bigger building projects could leave you a little unsure.
Here are a few other examples of home improvements that generally do not require planning permission in the UK:
- Building an extension that is no more than a single storey and no taller than the highest part of the roof
- Installing solar panels on the roof
- Building a porch that is no more than 3 meters (9.8 feet) in height and no more than 3 meters (9.8 feet) from the front of the house
- Repainting the exterior of a house
- Replacing windows and doors
- Building a conservatory
Of course, while these examples don’t typically need planning permission, there are some limitations and conditions that apply to these types of projects. For example, extensions must be set back from the property line and must not take up more than half the area of the land around the original house.
Additionally, there are different rules for properties that are listed buildings, in conservation areas or other designated areas. Therefore, as we mentioned at the beginning, it’s always wise to check with your local planning authority before starting any home improvement project to ensure that you are complying with the relevant regulations.
Extensions
Adding an extension to your property is one of the quickest ways to gain extra space within your home. In a modern family home, it can help families incorporate that much-needed open-plan living space, often incorporating indoor and outdoor spaces with the installation of bi-fold doors.
So, if you’re planning a single-story extension, the first thing to know is that the size of the extension that you can build without planning permission will depend on several factors, including the location and type of property, and any previous extensions that have been built.
Some general guidelines apply in most cases. In England, under the permitted development rules, the Planning Portal site says:
- Single-storey rear extensions cannot extend beyond the rear wall of the original house* by more than four metres if a detached house; or more than three metres for any other house.
- Where not on Article 2(3) designated land* or a Site of Special Scientific Interest; and subject to ‘prior approval’, the limit for single-storey rear extensions is increased to eight metres if a detached house; or six metres for any other house.
- This requires that the relevant Local Planning Authority is informed of the proposed work via a prior approval application.
Single-storey rear extensions cannot exceed four metres in height.
For side extensions where it would extend beyond the ‘side elevation’ of the original house*, the extension:
- Cannot exceed four metres in height.
- Can only be a single storey.
- Can only be up-to half the width of the original house*.
It’s important to note that these guidelines are subject to some variations and exceptions depending on the specifics of your property, such as whether it is a listed building or situated in a conservation area (as noted in Article 2(3) designated land).
Properties that have already been extended may have used up their allocated permitted development rights, so it’s worth checking with your local planning authority before undertaking any work.
Windows
In most cases, replacing windows in a property is considered to be “permitted development” and does not require planning permission. This means that you do not need to inform your local authority council or apply for planning permission to change your windows.
However, there are some restrictions and conditions that must be met for the replacement of windows to be considered permitted development. These include:
- The replacement windows must be similar in appearance to the original windows.
- If the property is in a conservation area or is a listed building, planning permission may be required for the replacement of windows, even if it would be considered permitted development in other cases.
- The new windows must not protrude beyond the plane of the existing walls e.g. a new bay window will be treated as an extension and may require permission.
- If the property is a flat or maisonette, you may need to seek permission from the freeholder or management company before carrying out any work.
- Roof lights are treated slightly differently, see here for further information.
It’s worth bearing in mind that installing new windows should still comply with other regulations, such as building regulations, to ensure that the new windows meet certain standards for safety and energy efficiency.
Make sure you choose a professional window installer when getting your windows replaced and check that they will provide you with either a FENSA or Assure Certification upon completion of the works. These are industry-approved accreditations that provide assurance to both you and your local authority that your replacement windows meet the required building regulations.
It’s important to keep your certificate safe, as you may need it if you decide to sell your property in the future. The certificate will provide evidence that the work has been carried out to the required standards, which can be important for potential buyers and their solicitors. Without it, you may face an unexpected cost by having to take out indemnity insurance.
Conclusion
As we’ve discussed there are several ways to carry out home renovations under “permitted development” provided they meet the government’s criteria. Converting your existing space to suit your lifestyle could be cheaper than having to move home while adding value, in the long run, should you eventually choose to sell your property.
Whatever your project, always seek advice from a professional, whether that be your local planning authority, builder or architect from the very beginning to ensure you understand what is allowed or whether you require any further permission to carry out the work.
