Do I need planning permission?

Depending on the scale and type of extension, you may not need to apply for planning permission.

What are my options?

As Homeowners, there are three ways of lawfully building your extension, these are:

• Permitted Development Rights

• Lawful Development Certificate

• Full Planning Application

Permitted Development Rights

Permitted development rights (PD) are a type of general planning permission awarded on existing houses and outbuildings (excluding flats and apartments). 

If your plans are within the guidelines of permitted development rights, you will be able to bypass planning approval and avoid making an application.

PD guidelines, however, are restricting; they limit the size, materials and elevation on which you can build your extension. If you’ve got a grand design in mind - chances are your plans will exceed those permitted under PD.

Lawful Development Certificate

A lawful development certificate (LDC) demonstrates that your project met all the local planning policies at the time of construction - particularly useful in the event of selling your home. Furthermore, when building off PD rights it can be a great assurance to know that what you’re doing is legal and within the sometimes confusing world of permitted development.

Further information can be found on the planning portal here.