Larger Rear Extensions under Part 1 Class A of the GPDO
If you are a homeowner or a developer and you wish to extend your house you should be aware that this can take place without the need for planning permission if your proposal is considered permitted development subject to the relevant limits and conditions.
While the length normally accepted for single-storey rear extensions was 4 metres for detached houses and 3 metres for all other houses after the publication of “The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment)(England) Order 2013”, the government introduced a very popular mechanism whereby the depth limit for extensions was doubled to 8 metres and 6 metres for detached and attached houses respectively.
To benefit from these permitted development rights and the increased size limits, the extension must be completed by 30 May 2019 and the developer must notify the local authority in writing of the date of completion according to “The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment)(England) Order 2015” following the procedure set out in further detail below.
If you are looking to build a larger rear extension, you will need to notify your relevant local authority before the commencement.
Given the deadline for "completion" is 30th May 2019, homeowners should put together and submit the paperwork in good time in order to receive the relevant paperwork and complete on time. Homeowners/developers also wishing to take advantage of the extended rights as a potential fallback, are also advised to submit well in advance so the "fallback" position remains legally valid.
Local Planning Authorities must be provided with the following:
-a written description of the proposal including proposed length and height
-a site plan showing the proposed development
-a list of the addresses of any adjoining properties (including those to the rear) and
-the developers contact details.
The local authority will then serve a notice to the adjoining owners or occupiers informing them about the proposed development. If the neighbours raise any objections with the 21 days of consultation, the local authority will decide if their objections reveal any impact on the amenity of the neighbouring properties and whether the proposed plans can go ahead.
The development can go ahead if the local authority notifies the developer that as no objections were received it has not been necessary to consider the impact on amenity (Prior Approval not required) or that following consideration, it has decided that the effect on the amenity of the adjoining properties is acceptable (Prior Approval required and approved).
If Prior Approval is required and refused, the homeowner/developer may appeal.
If the homeowner/developer does not receive the local authority’s decision within the 42-day determination period, the development may go ahead.
Please note that the permitted development allowances described here apply only to houses and not to flats and maisonettes, converted houses or houses created through permitted development rights to change use or in areas where Article 4 Direction exists.
Furthermore, the increased size limits do not apply at Article 2(3) designated land - conservation areas, national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites - and Sites of Special Specific Interest.
It is really important you have the correct documentation in place from the beginning as most Local Planning Authorities wish to actively discourage this type of application and are not obliged to work with you to ensure it is.
We would advise contacting WEA Planning to further understand how we can assist you with your home extension.