Permitted Development

Permitted development rights (PDRs) for residential buildings in the UK allow homeowners to carry out certain building works and changes without needing full planning permission. These rights are specified in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).

 

Here is an overview of the key permitted development rights for residential buildings:

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Extensions and Alterations

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Single-Storey Rear Extensions (Class A):

• Extensions can extend up to 4 meters for detached houses and 3 meters for other houses.

• Until May 30, 2024, larger home extensions are allowed: up to 8 meters for detached houses and 6 meters for other houses, subject to the Neighbour Consultation Scheme.

• Two-Storey Rear Extensions (Class A):

• Maximum 3 meters in depth.

• Must be at least 7 meters from the rear boundary.

• Side Extensions (Class A):

• Single-storey only.

• Maximum height of 4 meters and width no more than half the width of the original house.

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Loft Conversions and Roof Extensions (Class B):

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• Up to 50 cubic meters for detached and semi-detached houses, and 40 cubic meters for terraced houses.

• Cannot extend beyond the existing roof slope on the principal elevation or be higher than the highest part of the roof.

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Roof Alterations (Class C):

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• Includes installation of roof lights or dormer windows, provided they do not project more than 150mm beyond the plane of the existing roof slope or higher than the highest part of the roof.

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Porches (Class D):

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• Maximum floor area of 3 square meters.

• Maximum height of 3 meters.

• Must be at least 2 meters from any boundary with a highway.

• Outbuildings and Other Structures (Class E)

• Includes sheds, garages, greenhouses, and other incidental buildings.

• Must not cover more than 50% of the land around the original house.

• Maximum height of 4 meters for a dual-pitched roof, or 3 meters for other roofs.

• Maximum height of 2.5 meters if within 2 meters of a boundary.

• Other Permitted Developments

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Fences, Gates, and Walls (Class A of Part 2):

Maximum height of 2 meters, or 1 meter if adjacent to a highway.

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Solar Panels and Other Renewable Energy Systems (Classes A and B of Part 14):

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• Subject to specific conditions and limitations to minimize visual impact.

• Driveways and Hard Surfaces (Class F):

• Provision for permeable surfacing to manage runoff.

• Conditions and Limitations

• Principal Elevation and Conservation Areas: Developments must not extend beyond the principal elevation facing a highway or be in conservation areas, national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, or listed buildings without specific permissions.

• Building Regulations: All developments must comply with building regulations.

• Article 4 Directions: Local authorities can remove specific permitted development rights through Article 4 Directions, requiring planning permission in certain areas.

• Important Considerations

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Prior Approval: Some larger developments, such as significant home extensions, require prior approval from the local planning authority, particularly concerning impact on neighbors and the environment.

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Consultation: It’s advisable to check with the local planning authority for specific local regulations or restrictions.

Permitted development rights (PDRs) for commercial buildings in the UK allow certain types of building work and changes of use to be carried out without the need for a full planning application. These rights are outlined in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended). Below are some key points regarding permitted development rights for commercial buildings:

 

Change of Use

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• Office to Residential (Class O): Conversion of office buildings (Class B1(a)) to residential use (Class C3).

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• Retail to Residential (Class M): Change of use from retail (Class A1) or financial/professional services (Class A2) to residential use (Class C3), with limitations.

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• Retail to Mixed Use (Class G): Change of use of a building from a retail (Class A1) to a mixed-use combining residential (Class C3) and retail use.

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• Agricultural to Flexible Use (Class R): Change of use from agricultural buildings to flexible commercial use such as shops, financial/professional services, restaurants/cafes, offices, storage/distribution, hotels, or assembly/leisure.

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Extensions and Alterations

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• Industrial and Warehouse Extensions (Class H): Extension or alteration of an industrial building or a warehouse.

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• Office Extensions (Class A): Extension or alteration of an office building.

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Temporary Uses

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• Temporary Use of Buildings (Class D): Allows temporary use of a building or land for specified uses (e.g., retail, office, leisure) for up to three years.

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Demolition

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• Demolition of Buildings (Part 11): Demolition of certain buildings without needing a full planning application, subject to conditions and prior approval.

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Conditions and Limitations

Permitted development rights come with specific conditions and limitations:

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• Prior Approval: Some changes of use and extensions require prior approval from the local planning authority concerning impacts such as transport, flooding, contamination, and noise.

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• Floor Space Limits: There are restrictions on the amount of floor space that can be developed under PDRs. For instance, office to residential conversions must not exceed 1,500 square meters.

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• Location Restrictions: PDRs may not apply in certain protected areas, such as conservation areas, national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, and listed buildings.

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• Design and External Appearance: Extensions must conform to specific design criteria, including height and materials.

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Important Considerations

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Local Authority Regulations: Local planning authorities can remove permitted development rights through Article 4 Directions, requiring a full planning application for certain types of development.

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Building Regulations: All works must comply with relevant building regulations, even if planning permission is not required.