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.