Introduction
If you own a home or other property, then you will almost certainly have heard of permitted development rights. These are a set of rules that can save you time and money. However, it is important to understand what they are, so that you know when and how to apply for planning permission for any changes or extensions to your property.
What is permitted development?
Permitted development rights are a set of rules that can save you time and money. They’re also called ‘permitted development’ (PD).The government introduced permitted development rights in order to reduce the burden on local councils. They want to make it easier for homeowners to carry out minor works and changes on their properties without having to apply for planning permission. The rules are designed around a set of criteria, so if your proposed development meets these requirements then you won’t need any formal consent from your local council.
They’re set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (GPDO). The GPDO sets out what types of works can be carried out without planning permission. It also lists what you need to do before carrying out any works, such as applying for an application notice, depending on whether your property was built before or after 1990.
What alterations need planning permission?
If you are considering making any of the following alterations to your property, you will need planning permission:
- Adding a conservatory, porch or garage
- Making changes to the roof
- Changing the number of bedrooms (e.g. converting a loft room into an en-suite)
- Changing the use of your property
Extensions that do not require planning permission
- Extensions to existing buildings. You can extend upwards, sideways and even dig below ground level without needing to apply for planning permission as long as the extension meets certain criteria. For example, if your property was built before 1 July 1948 you may be able to carry out an extension up to a height of 2 metres without getting consent from the local council beforehand. (this is just an example! you need to check with your local planning policy)
- Certain small home improvements such as replacing windows or doors on single-storey properties (excluding garage conversions) are also permitted development. The rules on window replacements change every year so make sure you’re up-to-date with what’s permitted by contacting your local authority before making any changes.
How do you know when you need to apply for planning permission?
Most changes to the outside of your home, such as erecting a conservatory or adding a porch, are permitted development. But if you wish to alter your property in any way that isn’t listed in the permitted development rules then you need to apply for planning permission. If you’re unsure whether or not your proposed work will require planning permission, contact your local council and ask them to check it for you. They will usually be able to provide advice within 24 hours by phone or email, but if they feel it’s more complicated they may visit your home and inspect what needs doing.
If you are making changes that aren’t covered by permitted development rights (for example: adding double glazing) then these must be authorised by a building warrant before any works begin – otherwise they would count towards alterations when calculating how much alteration allowance exists on completion of construction works (see below).
The basics of permitted development rights
Permitted development rights are a way for you to build or alter your property without having to apply for planning permission. The type of work you can do using permitted development rights depends on where your home is located, which is why it’s important to check with the local authority before commencing work.
While planning permission is sometimes needed if your project involves demolishing a building, replacing it with another structure, or adding an extension that is greater than 50% of the footprint of your property (including balconies), there are other types of projects that don’t need this level of permission:
- Car parking spaces
- Sheds and greenhouses less than 8 metres high
- Fences less than 2 metres tall
Do I need permitted development rights?
Permitted development rights allow you to carry out certain types of work without needing planning permission. This means that you can avoid the hassle of submitting a planning application, which saves time and money. It also reduces the risk of being refused permission because your proposal may not meet all the criteria set by your local authority.
However, it’s important to remember that permitted development rights are not always automatic: if your project doesn’t meet its requirements in full (for example, if it involves building work on land or buildings outside a conservation area), then you’ll still need planning permission for those aspects of your development.
Permitted development rights are a set of rules that can save you time and money.
Permitted development rights (PDRs) are a set of rules that can save you time and money.
If you follow the rules, you do not have to apply for planning permission—which means your work will not be held up by endless delays or rejection because the council doesn’t like the colour of your front door or something ridiculous. PDRs allow you to make changes to your home without having to apply for planning permission. This can help save money as well as making sure that your project gets off the ground more quickly than if it had been subject to planning approval.
Permitted development rights allow homeowners certain types of alterations without having to go through the full planning process:
Conclusion
The good news is that this system of permitted development rights gives you the flexibility to make changes to your property without having to apply for planning permission. However, it’s important that you understand the rules and whether your project will require planning permission before getting started.
