Permitted development - house extensions
Permitted development means you need to give us prior notification of certain changes rather than applying for planning permission.
Who does permitted development apply to?
It is possible for homeowners wishing to build single storey rear extensions between 3 metres and 6 metres (for an attached house) and 4 metres and 8 metres (for a detached house) to do so without the need for planning permission.
You do however, need to notify us of your intention to build such an extension.
How do you notify us?
Read the guidance notes for completing a prior notification, these notes will provide further information on the process and the information required.
Complete the Prior notification of house extension form
Completing the Prior notification form will ensure that you provide all the information which is required by the legislation.
Which type of building doesn't apply to permitted development?
All other house extensions are not affected by this change.
If your extension is above the thresholds, you will need to apply for planning permission.
If your extension is below the thresholds, planning permission may not be required, but you should check before starting any work.
Please use the Planning Portal's interactive house website links below:
Please also note that the new procedures do not apply in conservation areas or within the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Planning permission will still be required for single storey rear extensions over 3 metres for an attached house and over 4 metres for a detached house.
What happens once I have submitted my notification?
Neighbour consultation
When we receive a notification we have to consult with the owners/occupiers of all adjoining premises.
They have 21 days to respond and we will send a copy of this letter to you.
The Planning Portal has more information on the neighbour consultation scheme.
Prior notification decision
From the date we receive your notification (complete with all of the information required by the legislation) we have a period of 42 days to notify you of one of the following outcomes:
- Prior approval is not required
- Prior approval is given
- Prior approval is refused
Approval
If prior approval is not required, or if prior approval is given, or if we fail to notify you of one of the above outcomes within 42 days, then this will indicate that the proposed development would comply with condition A.4 of Part 1 Class A of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) 1995 (as amended).
Please note that this will not indicate whether the proposed development would comply with any of the other limitations or conditions of Part 1 Class A of the GPDO and you should check this before proceeding with the development.
The Planning Portal provide further information on the limitations and conditions of Permitted Development rights.
Refusal
If prior approval is refused, this will indicate that the proposed development would not comply with condition A.4 of Part 1 Class A of the GPDO 1995 (as amended).
As above, this will not indicate whether the proposed development would comply with any of the other limitations or conditions of Part 1 Class A.
Making an appeal
If you receive a refusal, you will have the right to submit an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
Lawful development certificate
For peace of mind you may choose to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.
Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate
This is not the same as planning permission but is proof that your household building work is lawful.
Once the work has been completed
If you do use the Prior Notification procedure you will need to advise us when you have completed the works by completing our house extension completion form.
Share this page
