Domestic (England)

Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) let you make certain imp without applying for full planning permission.

They apply mainly to houses, not flats, maisonettes, or convert

Your rights can be restricted if the property is:

Listed or in a conservation area
Within a National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Affected by an Article 4 Direction removing PDRs

Always confirm with your local council before work starts.

Core Rules

All limits relate to the “original house” the property as first built (or as it stood on 1 July 1948).

Total extensions and outbuildings together must not cover more than 50 % of the surrounding land
Materials should be similar in appearance to the existing house.
Building Regulations approval is still required for most work.

Rear Extensions

Single-storey
Depth: up to 3 m (terraced/semi) or 4 m (detached)
Height: max 4 m overall, 3 m to eaves
If within 2 m of boundary, height limited to 3 m
Cannot extend beyond front wall facing a road
Must match main house materials
Larger home scheme: up to 6 m (semi/terrace) or 8 m (detached) needs prior approval and neighbour consultation.
Two-storey
Max 3 m from rear wall
At least 7 m to rear boundary
Not higher than existing eaves or roof ridge
Upper side windows, obscure-glazed, non-opening below 1.7 m

Side Extensions

Single-storey only
Max width ½ width of the original house
Height ≤ 4 m (or 3 m if within 2 m of boundary)
Cannot project beyond front wall facing highway
Must use matching materials

(Two-storey side extensions always need planning permission.)

Loft Conversions & Roof Enlargements

Volume increase ≤ 40 m³ (terraced) / 50 m³ (detached or semi)
Must not raise existing roof height
Dormer set back 20 cm from eaves
No dormers on front roof slope facing a highway
Side windows, obscure-glazed, non-opening below 1.7 m
External finish similar to existing roof

Outbuildings & Garden Rooms

Single-storey only
Max height:
4 m (dual-pitched roof)
3 m (other roofs)
2.5 m if within 2 m of boundary
Total garden coverage ≤ 50 % of land around original house
For incidental use only (e.g., office, gym, shed)
Not allowed forward of front wall facing road

Porches & Minor Additions

Porches (main entrance only):
Max 3 m² footprint
Max 3 m height
At least 2 m from any boundary facing highway
Rooflights: may project up to 15 cm from roof, not above ridge.
Solar panels: may project up to 20 cm, positioned to minimise glare.
Chimneys / vents: limited to 1 m above roof ridge.

When You’ll Need Planning Permission

Work exceeds any size, height or volume limit
Property in a designated or protected area
Proposal creates a new dwelling or changes use
Development faces a highway or alters the main elevation
Earlier extensions already used up PDR allowance

Permitted Development – Key Takeaways

Permitted Development Rights allow many common extensions and alterations without full planning permission, provided you stay within the exact measurements.

All rules are based on the original house, not any later additions.
Building Regulations still apply separately.
For certainty, obtain a Lawful Development Certificate.

Keep clear documentation, it protects your investment and avoids enforcement issues later.

Get Professional Advice

If you’re considering extending or altering your home and would like to know more about your permitted development rights, David Hickinson Architecture offers a free, no obligation consultation. We’ll review your site, assess planning opportunities, and highlight any potential constraints.

Get in touch today to arrange your free consultation and find out whether your garden could become your next great project.