What Can I Build Without Planning Permission?

A practical list of common home improvement projects you can carry out under permitted development rights without needing planning permission.

Many home improvement projects can be carried out without planning permission, thanks to permitted development rights. Here is a practical guide to the most popular projects and the rules that apply to each.

Rear Extensions

You can build a single-storey rear extension without planning permission, subject to these limits:

Detached houses: up to 4m from the rear wall (or 8m under prior approval for larger extensions)
Semi-detached and terraced houses: up to 3m (or 6m under prior approval)
Maximum eaves height of 3m
Maximum overall height of 4m
Must not cover more than 50% of the garden

Side Extensions

Single storey only
No wider than half the width of the original house
Maximum eaves and ridge height of 4m
Must be at least 1m from the boundary in conservation areas

Loft Conversions

You can convert your loft under PD rights if:

The additional volume is no more than 40 cubic metres (terraced/semi-detached) or 50 cubic metres (detached)
The extension does not go higher than the existing roof ridge
Roof materials are similar in appearance to the existing house
No veranda, balcony or raised platform is created
Side-facing windows are obscure-glazed and either fixed or openable only above 1.7m from floor level

Garden Buildings and Outbuildings

Sheds, summer houses, garages, and other outbuildings are permitted if:

They are single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5m
Maximum height: 4m (dual-pitched roof), 3m (any other roof), or 2.5m if within 2m of a boundary
No outbuilding forward of the principal elevation
Total outbuilding area does not cover more than 50% of the garden
Not used as a self-contained dwelling

Porches

Ground floor area no more than 3 square metres (measured externally)
Maximum height of 3m
At least 2m from any boundary facing a highway

Driveways and Hard Surfaces

You can pave over your front garden without permission if:

You use permeable (porous) materials such as gravel, permeable block paving, or resin-bound surfaces
Or you direct rainwater run-off to a lawn or border rather than the highway

If using impermeable materials over more than 5 square metres, you will need planning permission.

Fences, Walls and Gates

Maximum 1 metre high if adjacent to a highway used by vehicles
Maximum 2 metres high elsewhere
No permission needed to take down a fence or wall of any height

Solar Panels

Panels must not protrude more than 200mm from the roof surface
Must not be higher than the highest point of the roof (excluding chimney)
Stand-alone panels in the garden must be under 4m high and no more than 9 square metres

Internal Alterations

You do not need planning permission for internal changes such as removing non-load-bearing walls, fitting a new kitchen or bathroom, or rewiring. However, some work may require building regulations approval, which is a separate process.

Always Double-Check

Rules vary in conservation areas, for listed buildings, and where Article 4 Directions apply. If you are in any doubt, apply for a Lawful Development Certificate before starting work.