December 9th, 2016.
A Beginners’ Guide to Permitted Development Rights
Gaining planning permission can be timely and cost a considerable amount of money, so if you could build an extension on your buy-to-let property without the need of going through the planning permission process would you? Well, this could be the case if your planned work falls under the heading of ‘permitted development’.
What is a ‘Permitted Development’?
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order was passed in 2015. This allows property owners in England to legally carry out certain works on their property without the need to apply for planning permission from the local authority.
The legislation describes this as ‘the enlargement, improvement or other alteration of a dwellinghouse’.
Please note: Rules may vary for properties elsewhere in the UK. Commercial properties also have different legislation to dwellings.
What is Categorised as a Permitted Development?
Usually, planning permission is not required for minor property improvements such as adding a porch, small conservatory or moving internal walls, as these fall under ‘permitted development rights’.
However, there are a number of restrictions to permitted developments, some of which include any extension being:
• Within 7 metres of the boundary at the rear of the property.
• No taller than the existing property. This includes the eaves.
• Not extend beyond the principal elevation of the original dwellinghouse.
• Not large enough to cover more than 50% of the available building plot.
• No wider than half the width of the original dwellinghouse when extended beyond a side elevation wall.
• No more than one story tall or 4 metres beyond the rear wall of the original property.
Permitted development rules also dictate a project is not granted for the construction or provision of a veranda, balcony or any other kind of raised platform. It also does not allow you to touch a microwave antenna, chimney, or any major part of the roof.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Rules?
Properties located in ‘designated areas’ may see permitted developments restricted. This will likely be in conservation areas or within the boundaries of a national park, in an area of outstanding natural beauty or near a world heritage site.
It is always advisable to check that your local planning authority has not removed some of your permitted development rights using an Article 4 direction.
If you think either of these conditions may apply to you, you can find out more on the Planning Portal.
Need Permitted Development Finance?
If you’re planning a permitted development project and require finance for the work on a property in your portfolio, we can help. Read more about permitted development finance and what our independent brokers can do for you here.
