Permitted Development

What is Permitted Development?

In the UK, 'Permitted Development Rights (PDR) allow property owners to make certain changes to their properties without needing to obtain full planning permission from the local planning authority. These rights apply to both residential and commercial properties and are governed by The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, which outlines the types of developments allowed under PDR.

Here’s an overview of key areas permitted development covers:

1. Home Extensions and Alterations

  • Single-Storey Extensions: You can add a single-storey rear extension of up to 3 meters for terraced and semi-detached houses, and up to 4 meters for detached houses without planning permission. This can be extended further to 6 meters or 8 meters under a "larger home extension" scheme, which requires prior notification but not full planning approval.

  • Two-Storey Extensions: These are also permitted but more restricted, generally allowing only up to 3 meters in depth from the original house and must be at least 7 meters from the rear boundary.

  • Loft Conversions: PDR allows a loft conversion with a volume limit of 40 cubic meters for terraced houses and 50 cubic meters for detached and semi-detached houses.

  • Outbuildings and Sheds: You can build a structure within your property boundary, as long as it is not in front of the house and meets height restrictions.

2. Change of Use

  • Office to Residential: Under PDR, office buildings can be converted into residential housing. This is intended to address housing shortages but has requirements regarding floor area and other criteria.

  • Retail to Residential: Retail premises can be converted to residential use in certain cases, especially if the retail area is no longer considered viable. This applies mainly to smaller retail spaces rather than large commercial buildings.

3. Adding Additional Storeys

  • Under recent changes to PDR, property owners can add up to two storeys to a house built between 1948 and 2018, although it does require prior approval from the local council. This rule is intended to increase housing capacity, especially in urban areas.

4. Solar Panels and Microgeneration Equipment

  • Homeowners can install solar panels and other renewable energy systems without needing full planning permission, as long as the equipment does not extend more than 200 millimetres from the building’s roof slope.

5. Demolition and Redevelopment

  • Certain types of buildings can be demolished and redeveloped under permitted development. This includes commercial buildings converted into residential housing, provided certain conditions are met and prior approval is obtained.

6. Other Changes Allowed under PDR

  • Porches: Adding a porch with a ground area of up to 3 square meters and a height of up to 3 meters is generally permitted.

  • Fencing and Gates: Homeowners can add fencing, gates, or walls up to a certain height without planning permission.

  • Interior Works: Internal alterations, such as loft conversions and basement developments, often fall under permitted development if they do not change the building's overall structure or appearance.

Limitations on Permitted Development Rights

While PDR grants some flexibility, it has limitations and does not apply universally. Restrictions often apply to:

  • Conservation Areas: PDR is limited in designated conservation areas or listed buildings, often requiring additional approvals.

  • Article 4 Directions: Local authorities can issue Article 4 Directions to restrict PDR in specific areas or on specific properties, especially if they want to maintain the area's character.

  • Protected Land: National parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and World Heritage Sites typically have restrictions on PDR.

Permitted development rights are intended to streamline small-scale projects, but each project may have its nuances, so checking with the local council is often wise before beginning any development.

Note: Information above is as a guidance only and must be verified by relevant Local Authorities.