For many homeowners, the idea of extending their property comes with one big concern: planning permission. The good news is that changes to permitted development rights mean that it is now easier than ever to add space to your home without going through a lengthy planning process. If you are thinking about building a house extension, here is everything you need to know about permitted development.
What Are Permitted Development Rights?
Normally, major building work requires full planning permission from your local authority. Permitted development rights are exceptions to this rule. They allow certain types of improvements and extensions to go ahead without a full planning application, provided specific criteria are met.
On 31 August 2020, the government extended these rights. For the first time, many multi-storey extensions can now fall under permitted development, making it quicker and easier for homeowners to add more space to their properties.
How Do the New Rules Help Homeowners?
Under the new regulations, homeowners can:
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Add more than one storey to an existing property
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Benefit from a much shorter prior approval process instead of full planning permission
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Save money on application costs
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Start building more quickly, avoiding the typical delays of the old planning system
Many have described the new rules as a “fast track” for home extensions, giving families more flexibility to adapt their homes without the stress and expense of moving.
What Are the Limitations of Permitted Development?
Although the new rules are a major step forward, there are still restrictions you need to be aware of.
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Property age: The rules only apply to properties built between July 1948 and March 2018. Older homes and brand-new builds are excluded.
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Property type: Detached, semi-detached, and terraced homes are included. Flats, maisonettes, and listed buildings are not.
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Number of storeys:
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Bungalows and single-storey homes can add one extra storey.
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Properties with two or more storeys can add up to two additional storeys.
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Height limits: New extensions must stay within defined height restrictions relative to the existing building.
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Prior approval: You cannot simply begin building. You must apply to your local planning authority for prior approval, which includes neighbour consultation. Your neighbours can still raise objections if the extension would significantly affect their property.
These safeguards are designed to balance homeowners’ needs with the rights of surrounding properties.
Why This Matters for Homeowners
The ability to extend upwards or outwards under permitted development opens up huge opportunities. Instead of being limited to single-storey conservatories or rear extensions, you can now add:
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Extra living and dining space on the ground floor
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A new home office, ideal for remote working
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Additional bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs
This makes it possible to maximise the footprint of your property without relocating, while also adding significant value.
How Your Choice Can Help
At Your Choice Home Improvements, we specialise in creating extensions that transform the way families use their homes. Whether you want a traditional brick-built extension, an orangery, or to upgrade your existing conservatory, our full design and build service covers everything from your first ideas to the final touches.
We also handle the complexities of building regulations and prior approval applications, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
The new permitted development rules are fantastic news for homeowners who want more space. With the potential to add one or two additional storeys, extensions are now faster, easier, and more cost-effective to build than before.
If you are ready to explore the possibilities, find out more about our house extensions here or contact the team at Your Choice Home Improvements to start planning your project.