Adding a single storey extension to your home can provide the extra space you need, whether it’s for a new kitchen, living area, or home office. However, before you start your project, it’s important to understand the planning permission requirements. This guide will help you determine whether you need planning permission and how to proceed if you do.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Single Storey Extension?
When planning a single storey extension, the first question that arises is whether you need planning permission. This largely depends on the specific details of your project and local regulations.
Permitted Development Rights
Explanation of what permitted development rights are:
Permitted development rights are a set of regulations that allow homeowners to carry out certain types of work on their property without needing to apply for planning permission. These rights are designed to simplify the process for small-scale home improvements.
Criteria for single storey extensions under permitted development:
Under permitted development rights, you can build a single storey extension without planning permission if your project meets specific criteria:
- Size Restrictions: The extension must not exceed 3 meters in height for a flat roof or 4 meters for a pitched roof. The extension can extend up to 4 meters from the rear wall of a detached house or up to 3 meters for any other type of house.
- Footprint Limits: The extension must not cover more than half of the land around the original house.
- Proximity to Boundaries: Extensions closer than 2 meters to the property boundary cannot exceed 3 meters in height.
- Design Consistency: The extension must be built in a similar style to the existing house.
- Protected Areas: Additional restrictions apply in designated areas, such as conservation areas or national parks.
When Planning Permission is Required
Situations where planning permission is necessary:
While many single storey extensions fall under permitted development rights, there are circumstances where planning permission is required. These include:
- Size and Scale: If your extension exceeds the size limitations set by permitted development rights, you will need to apply for planning permission.
- Designated Areas: Properties located in conservation areas, national parks, or areas of outstanding natural beauty often require planning permission for any extensions.
- Listed Buildings: If your property is a listed building, you will need planning permission for any changes, including extensions.
- Previous Extensions: If your property has already been extended, the new extension may require planning permission, depending on the total amount of extension work done.
Factors influencing the need for planning permission:
Several factors can influence whether you need planning permission for your single storey extension:
- Local Planning Policies: Local authorities may have specific policies that affect the need for planning permission.
- Impact on Neighbors: If the extension has a significant impact on neighboring properties, such as obstructing light or overlooking windows, planning permission may be required.
- Environmental Considerations: Factors such as flood risk, protected species, and heritage considerations can also influence the need for planning permission.
Planning Permission Requirements
When planning a single storey extension, it’s essential to understand the specific requirements that must be met to obtain planning permission. These requirements help ensure that the extension is appropriate, safe, and in harmony with its surroundings.
Size and Scale Restrictions
Maximum allowed dimensions for single storey extensions:
To meet planning permission requirements, your single storey extension must adhere to specific size and scale restrictions:
- Height: The maximum height for a single storey extension is typically 3 meters for a flat roof and 4 meters for a pitched roof.
- Depth: The extension can extend up to 4 meters from the rear wall of a detached house or up to 3 meters for a semi-detached or terraced house.
- Overall Coverage: The extension must not cover more than half of the land around the original house. This includes any previous extensions.
- Proximity to Boundaries: If the extension is within 2 meters of a property boundary, it cannot exceed 3 meters in height.
Ensuring your extension falls within these limits can help avoid the need for planning permission and streamline the approval process if required.
Design and Aesthetics
Importance of matching the extension with the existing structure:
The design and aesthetics of your single storey extension play a crucial role in obtaining planning permission. Local planning authorities typically require that the extension blends seamlessly with the existing structure and surrounding area. Key considerations include:
- Materials: Use materials that match or complement the existing house, such as bricks, roofing tiles, and windows.
- Style: The architectural style of the extension should be consistent with the original building. This includes features like roof shape, window styles, and exterior finishes.
- Proportion: The extension should be proportionate to the existing building, maintaining a balanced and harmonious appearance.
A well-designed extension that respects the character of the original house and the neighborhood is more likely to gain planning permission approval.
Impact on Neighbors
Considerations for ensuring the extension doesn’t negatively affect neighbouring properties:
When planning your single storey extension, it’s important to consider its impact on neighboring properties. Key factors to address include:
- Privacy: Ensure that the extension does not overlook neighboring properties or infringe on their privacy. This might involve strategic placement of windows or using frosted glass.
- Light and Overshadowing: Avoid designs that significantly block natural light to neighboring homes or create overshadowing. Local authorities often assess the potential impact on light when reviewing planning applications.
- Noise: Consider how the extension might affect noise levels for neighbors, particularly if it includes areas like living rooms or entertainment spaces.
Proactively addressing these considerations can help prevent objections from neighbors and facilitate a smoother planning permission process.
Building Regulations Compliance
Overview of building regulations and their relevance:
In addition to planning permission, your single storey extension must comply with building regulations. These regulations ensure the safety, health, and energy efficiency of buildings. Key areas covered by building regulations include:
- Structural Integrity: Ensuring the extension is structurally sound and can support the loads placed upon it.
- Fire Safety: Implementing adequate fire protection measures, such as fire-resistant materials and safe escape routes.
- Insulation and Energy Efficiency: Meeting standards for thermal insulation to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort.
- Ventilation: Providing sufficient ventilation to prevent issues like dampness and mold growth.
- Electrical and Plumbing Work: Ensuring that all electrical and plumbing installations meet safety standards.
Compliance with building regulations is mandatory, regardless of whether planning permission is required. It’s advisable to work with a qualified architect or builder to ensure your extension meets all necessary regulations.
Steps to Obtain Planning Permission
Obtaining planning permission for your single storey extension involves several key steps. Following these steps carefully can help ensure a smooth and successful application process.
Pre-application Advice
How to get preliminary advice from your local planning authority:
Before you submit your planning application, it’s a good idea to seek pre-application advice from your local planning authority (LPA). This can provide valuable insights and help you address potential issues early on.
- Contact the LPA: Reach out to your LPA to schedule a pre-application meeting or consultation.
- Provide Preliminary Plans: Share your initial plans and ideas for the extension to receive feedback.
- Ask Questions: Clarify any concerns about local planning policies, potential obstacles, and requirements.
- Take Notes: Document the advice and suggestions provided by the LPA to incorporate them into your final application.
Pre-application advice can increase the likelihood of approval by ensuring your proposal aligns with local planning policies and addresses any concerns.
Preparing Your Application
Necessary documents and plans:
A comprehensive and well-prepared planning application is crucial for a successful outcome. Ensure you include all necessary documents and plans:
- Site Plan: A detailed site plan showing the existing property and the proposed extension.
- Floor Plans: Detailed floor plans of the existing property and the extension, including measurements and layout.
- Elevation Drawings: Drawings showing the exterior appearance of the extension from different angles.
- Design and Access Statement: A statement explaining the design approach, materials used, and how the extension will be accessed.
- Supporting Documents: Any additional documents required by your LPA, such as environmental impact assessments or heritage statements.
Accurate and detailed plans help the planning authority assess your proposal and demonstrate your compliance with regulations.
Submitting Your Application
Submission process and tips for a successful application:
Once your application is complete, it’s time to submit it to your local planning authority. Follow these steps for a smooth submission process:
- Online Submission: Most LPAs offer online submission portals where you can upload your application and documents.
- Application Fee: Pay the required application fee, which varies depending on the scale and nature of your project.
- Confirmation Receipt: Ensure you receive a confirmation of receipt from the LPA, which will include your application reference number.
- Track Progress: Use the reference number to track the progress of your application online.
Submitting a complete and accurate application increases the chances of a timely and favorable decision.
Handling Objections and Revisions
Dealing with potential objections from neighbors or the council:
During the planning process, your application may face objections from neighbors or the council. Here’s how to handle them:
- Review Objections: Carefully review any objections received and identify the main concerns.
- Address Concerns: Work with your architect or planner to address the concerns, such as modifying the design or adding mitigating measures.
- Communicate: Engage in open communication with neighbors and the council to explain your plans and address their worries.
- Submit Revisions: If necessary, submit revised plans to the LPA that incorporate the changes and address the objections.
Handling objections proactively can help resolve issues and move your application forward.
Receiving Approval
What to do once you receive planning permission:
Receiving planning permission is a significant milestone, but there are still steps to take before you can start building:
- Review Conditions: Carefully review any conditions attached to the planning permission and ensure you understand them.
- Discharge Conditions: Fulfill any pre-commencement conditions required by the LPA before starting construction.
- Notify the LPA: Inform the LPA when you plan to start construction, as they may need to inspect the site.
- Commence Work: Once all conditions are met, you can begin the construction of your single storey extension.
Following these steps ensures compliance with the planning permission and a smooth start to your project.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Despite careful planning, you may encounter challenges during the planning permission process. Here’s how to address common issues:
Planning Permission Rejections
Common reasons for rejections and how to address them:
Planning permission rejections can be disheartening, but understanding the reasons can help you address them effectively:
- Non-compliance: Ensure your plans comply with all local planning policies and guidelines.
- Design Issues: Work with an architect to refine the design and ensure it matches the character of the area.
- Neighbour Objections: Address concerns raised by neighbors, such as privacy or overshadowing, in your revised plans.
By addressing the reasons for rejection, you can improve your chances of approval on resubmission.
Delays in the Approval Process
Tips for speeding up the process:
Delays in the planning permission process can be frustrating. Here are some tips to expedite the process:
- Pre-application Advice: Seek pre-application advice to identify and address potential issues early.
- Complete Documentation: Ensure your application is complete and includes all required documents.
- Regular Follow-ups: Stay in touch with the LPA and follow up regularly on the status of your application.
- Respond Promptly: Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or revisions from the LPA.
Proactive communication and thorough preparation can help minimize delays.
Meeting Building Regulations
Ensuring your extension complies with all regulations:
In addition to planning permission, your extension must meet building regulations. Here’s how to ensure compliance:
- Hire Professionals: Work with qualified architects, builders, and engineers who understand building regulations.
- Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections by building control officers to ensure compliance at each stage of construction.
- Document Compliance: Keep detailed records of compliance with building regulations, including certificates and inspection reports.
Meeting building regulations ensures the safety and quality of your extension, avoiding potential issues during and after construction.
Conclusion:
Adding a single storey extension can significantly enhance your home, but navigating the planning permission process is essential. By understanding the requirements and following the correct steps, you can achieve a successful outcome. If you need expert guidance, contact us at Get Rapid Plans to ensure your project is a success.