Are you considering enhancing your property with a valuable extension? A common opening query many of us have is the classic ‘will I need planning permission?’ Below we have provided an extensive and easy to digest guide so that you can investigate whether you require planning permission for your project. If the property you plan to develop is a listed building then the process may become slightly more complex since their are provisions put in place to safeguard the original framework of the building.

What is classified as an extension?

When you typically visualise an extension it’s likely that you will envisage a classic conservatory type extension to one side of your main property right? However an extension isn’t limited to remaining on the ground floor, extensions can also include basement conversions, double story extensions, loft conversions, sheds, outbuildings and of course the definitive conservatory.

Permitted development rights.

For some developments In the UK it be that you don’t need to go through the laborious task of planning permission with the help of permitted development rights. To quality for the permitted development, your project must fit within a threshold however this will vary depending on what type of extension you are building. Instead of your plans progressing through the planning council for careful examination, you are simply required to submit architectural drawings (If you have them) of your proposed development to your local planning authority. If you do not currently posses architectural drawings for your project we highly recommend that you have them drawn up. Architectural drawings may typically cost £200 however it is an investment worth spending since it will be the blueprint for you tradesman to work from.

Guidelines to permitted development in a nut shell

Ground floor extension:

  • Works must not increase the existing dwelling to over 50% of the total area
  • The height of the extension should not exceed the height of the existing dwelling
  • A rear extension is limited to extending no further than 4 meters from the rear wall for a detached property and 3 meters for any other property.

Permitted development is also subject to a handful of ancillary conditions which will be dependant on your individual development

  • Materials must match or posses a similar aesthetics to that of the existing exterior materials.
  • Obscure glass may be required under certain conditions
  • If the proposed development includes a listed building then it is likely that you will require permission for both internal and external projects.

It remains possible that your local planning authority may reject an application if they believe that the suggested development does not adhere to the permitted development guidelines or that the submitted application does not specify sufficient information in order to demonstrate that the development is in accordance with the governing guidelines.

Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

Generally speaking solar panels are exempt from planning permission provided that they do not protrude more than 200mm beyond the roof structure and are not installed above the highest point of the roof. However graded listed buildings are not permitted to posses solar panels in an attempt to preserve their original appearance. Additionally if a property is situated within a conservation area, panels must be installed with sympathy to the properties surroundings while often out of sight from the highway.

Do I require planning permission for my basement?

The current planning framework in under review however at present creating a living space from your existing cellar or basement will most likely not need planning. However if you plan to excavate the basement or cellar in order to obtain a desirable taller ceiling height together with incorporating windows, then this will notably alter the exterior presentation of the property of which you can expect to need planning permission for.

Great so I don’t need planning permission, what next?

Architect 

With any extension we would highly recommend obtaining professional architectural drawings. With this you can approach various tradesman and acquire the best quotes since you have the exact blueprint to be quoted from. Professional drawings are desirable since they will include all the information required for your local planning authority to decide whether your project meets permuted development and if not what advisories are need to be made to meet permitted development.

Builder / tradesman

Your next step would be to seek out reliable and reputable tradesman to undertake the work. Remember that opting for the most expensive quotation won’t necessarily guarantee a superior level of work. We recommend obtaining at least 4 or 5 quotes, don’t be afraid to ask if they can provide an address to see the quality of their most recent work. After evaluating and deciding on your tradesman it’s advised that you return to them and attempt to negotiate a little more.

Building regulations

Building control can be carried out by your local council, however many tradesman tend to favour independent approved regulators. Building controls purpose is designed to ensure that all work carried out meets the UK governing standard. Whether you decide to tackle your extension by yourself over using a builder the process of ticking off certain criteria of the development will remain the same.

Yes It really is as simple as that, once your permitted development has been approved, it’s possible that you could have your dream extension built and ready to enjoy within 6 weeks! During obtaining your quotes for the build you may of come across the expensive plumbing predicament of installing pipes for a gas radiator. With such an expensive outlay it can force your project to be unnecessarily over budget, however there is a more economic solution. Energy efficient electric heating has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years, developing into a state of the art electric heating system that can even rival a gas central heating running costs. Installation is very similar to a wall mounted television, all that is required is to fasten three brackets into your wall, hang the electric radiator onto the brackets, plug into a normal 13amp plug socket and your room will be cosy and warm within minutes.