What Is Permitted Development?

Permitted development rights allow certain building works and changes of use without the need to apply for planning permission.

What is permitted development?

Permitted development (PD) rights are a set of national rules that allow certain types of building work and changes of use to go ahead without needing to apply for planning permission. They're granted by the government through the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order.

Think of permitted development as a blanket planning permission that applies to specific types of work, provided they stay within certain limits and conditions.

What can you do under permitted development?

Common projects that usually fall within permitted development for houses include:

• Single-storey rear extensions - up to 3m (attached) or 4m (detached) from the rear wall, or 6m/8m under the larger home extension scheme with prior approval
• Loft conversions - adding up to 40m³ (terraced) or 50m³ (detached/semi) of additional roof space
• Porches - up to 3m², not higher than 3m, at least 2m from a highway boundary
• Outbuildings - sheds, greenhouses, summer houses (subject to size limits)
• Solar panels - on the roof, provided they don't protrude more than 200mm
• Fences and walls - up to 2m high (1m adjacent to a highway)

When permitted development does NOT apply

Your permitted development rights may be removed or restricted if:

• You live in a conservation area, National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or the Broads
• Your home is a listed building
• An Article 4 direction has been made by the council, removing specific PD rights in your area
• Your home is a flat or maisonette (most PD rights apply only to houses)
• Previous extensions have already used up your PD allowance

Prior approval vs planning permission

Some types of permitted development require "prior approval" - a lighter process where you notify the council and they assess certain specific impacts (like transport, flooding, or noise). This is different from full planning permission because the council can only consider the specific matters listed, not broader planning issues.

Common prior approval applications include larger home extensions and office-to-residential conversions.

How to check your permitted development rights

• Contact your local council's planning department
• Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate - this confirms in writing that your proposed work is lawful under PD rights
• Check the Planning Portal's interactive guidance tool

Key facts

• Permitted development lets you carry out certain works without a planning application
• Strict limits apply on size, height, and position
• PD rights can be removed in conservation areas or by Article 4 directions
• A Lawful Development Certificate provides formal confirmation that PD applies
• Some PD projects still need prior approval from the council