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Does my extension fall under Permitted Development?
We’ve talked about Permitted Development in our previous article on Planning Permission, but there have been some recent developments we thought we’d update you and explore Permitted Development in greater detail.
In the first week of October 2019, the Government announced the scrapping of the need for planning permission for a two-storey extension. The measure was drawn up by Chancellor Sajid Javid and Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick at the Conservative Party Conference.
This has huge implications for homeowners and builders as it does away with a potential obstacle in a house extension project. The easing of planning permission would make it easier for homeowners to expand their homes upwards, with approval from neighbours no longer being a requirement.
There have been a number of revisions of Permitted Development rights in recent years: one particularly key change occurred in May 2019 when it became possible to build larger rear single-storey extensions under Class A of Permitted Development.
Certain home improvements fall within different classes within the Permitted Development rules. Under Class A, homeowners require prior notification for extensions (enlargement, improvement or alteration). Under Class B, homeowners can build additions to the roof; Class C is for other alterations to the roof; Class D is for porches; and Class E is for outbuildings.
This implied consent of Permitted Development is granted in the form of General Development Planning Orders (GDPOs) which apply separately to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Just to recap..
According to the Planning Portal, “You can perform certain types of work without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called “permitted development rights”.
They derive from a general planning permission granted not by the local authority but by Parliament. Bear in mind that the permitted development rights which apply to many common projects for houses do not apply to flats, maisonettes or other buildings. Similarly, commercial properties have different permitted development rights to dwellings.”
Types of Permitted Development Rights
In an article in Homebuilding and Renovation, Permitted Development rights fall under several different categories.
Class A – Extensions (enlargement, improvement or alteration)
This allows a householder to build a single-storey side extension up to half the width of the existing dwelling; a single-storey rear extension up to 4m in length for a detached dwelling and 3m long for a semi or a terrace house; and, in certain circumstances, 3m two-storey rear extensions.
The changes that took effect on 30 May 2019 now make permanent the decision that larger single-storey rear extensions of up to 8m (6m for semi or terrace) are permissible under Class A — but do require prior notification (see ‘Lawful Development Certificates are key’).
Class B – Additions to the roof
This allows for rear dormers and hip-to-gable extensions as long as the additional volume created does not exceed 50m3 (40m3 for semis and terraced homes).
Class C – Other alterations to the roof
Class D – Porches
Class E – Buildings etc. (outbuildings)
This allows for an outbuilding to be erected within a residential curtilage as long as it is sited behind the principal (often the front) elevation, does not cover more than 50% of the curtilage and is not more than 3m in height (4m for a dual-pitched roof; 2.5m where within 2m of a boundary).
There are also specific regulations relating to Hard Surfaces (Class F), Chimneys & Flues (Class G) and Microwave antennas (Class H).
How do I apply for Permitted Development?
If you are completely sure your project is permitted development you can start your building work and you do NOT need to pay for Permitted Development. For proof that your building work is lawful you should apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.
A Lawful Development Certificate is a legal document regularising unauthorised or confirming permitted development building works when you don’t have to go through the process of obtaining planning permission.
In other words, it essentially is a means of obtaining a decision from the planning authority that a proposed use or works do not require planning permission. To get a certificate of lawful development you need to make an application for one to your local planning authority, which you can do through the Planning Portal website and they usually take 8 weeks to obtain.
To a apply for a lawful development certificate, you will need…
- An application form (from the planning portal)
- Evidence verifying the information within the application.
- Architectural plans and elevations
- A site location plan
- A fee
Lawful development applications come with the following fees…
£103 in England
£85 in Wales
£101 in Scotland
Permitted Development for Home Extensions in London
- You can extend a detached dwelling by 8m to the rear if it’s single storey or 3m if it’s double
- Semi-detached and terraced homes can be extended up to 6m to the rear of the property if single storey
- There are height restrictions, but they boil down to a single storey extension not being higher than 4m in height to the ridge and the eaves, and ridge heights of any extension not being higher than the existing property
- Two storey extensions must not be closer than 7m to the rear boundary
- It must be built in the same or similar material to the existing dwelling
- Extensions must not go forward of the building line of the original dwelling
- Side extensions must be single storey, maximum height of 4m and a width no more than half of the original building
- In Designated Areas side extensions require planning permission and all rear extensions must be single storey
- An extension must not result in more than half the garden being covered
- You can only do it once and the original building is either as it was on 1st July 1948 or when it was built. In Northern Ireland it is as it was built or as it was on 1st October 1973
** We recommend that you make an appointment with the planning officer at your local council to understand their specific requirements as each council has different standards.
Confused? We don’t blame you. It’s a lot of information to digest and understand. But if you take it step by step, it will make the entire process much smoother.
The first step to your home extension project is to appoint an architect. You cannot proceed if you do not have an architect. It is your architect who will submit your plans to the council. If you need help finding an Architect, why not download our FREE Architect Guide.
At SDA Build London, we know how stressful and complex planning applications can be. Applications that are rejected often have to be revised over and over again and can cause delays to your extension project.
As we have been working in the West London area for several years, we are well-versed with the do’s and don’ts in the area with regards to what the council will allow and what they won’t. We suggest you give us a call [Symbol] if you have any doubts or need to discuss whether your extension ideas… will get through planning. We can be contacted on 0208 191 7595 or email us at enquiries@sdabuildlondon.co.uk to discuss how we can help.
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When embarking on a house extension project in London, where we mainly operate, we often get asked by our clients if they need a party wall agreement? Many don’t even know what a party wall is or what a party wall agreement is… just that it’s something they need.
So, we thought we’d start at the very beginning …
What is a Party Wall?
A party wall is the shared wall, usually between a terrace or semi-detached house, and divides the homes of two separate owners. It may also include garden walls built over a boundary and excavations close to a neighbour’s property (within three or six meters, depending on the depth of the new foundations). Party wall Awards or Agreements are most commonly needed for building projects that involve loft conversions, basement excavations, internal renovation and extensions.
What is a Party Wall Agreement?
The Party Wall Award or Agreement is a legal document that is drawn up by the two-party wall surveyors or by a single surveyor (if he/she is are acting on behalf of both the Building Owner and the Adjoining Owner or the neighbour). The aim of the Party Wall Award is to resolve any disputes between neighbours as a result of a building project of the one of the neighbours.
The Party Wall Award essentially consists of three parts:
- The Award or Agreement that states how and when the building works are going to be carried out.
- The Schedule of Conditions – This is an important part of the Award. It is a detailed record of the current condition of the adjoining property. This will include recording existing issues such as cracks, staining, holes, decay, discolouration, leaks and other defects, disrepair or deterioration along with accompanying photographs. The party wall surveyors will then undertake a re-inspectionof the building after building works have been completed to determine whether any damage has occurred as a result of the building work and whether any repairs need to be carried out.
- Structural drawings of the proposed works.
The Award must also clearly state the names and address of the Building Owner or Owners and the Adjoining Owner/s names and addresses as listed in the land registry or Company House records in the case of a UK listed company along with details of the surveyor or surveyors.
What else should be included in the Award?
Working hours – e.g. 9:00am – 5:00pm
Proof of the builder/contractor’s public liability insurance
Any indemnities for the Adjoining Owner or neighbour
Clarification of any damage and the steps that will be required to rectify them
Access arrangements to the adjoining owner’s property
Adjoining Owner’s or neighbour’s surveyor’s fees
Costs to be paid by an Adjoining Owner or neighbour for contributing towards the cost of repair to a party structure.
Agreed compensation to paid to the Adjoining Owner or neighbour
Security arrangements
Noise considerations
Usually, the Award is initially written out in a draft format and made final once both parties have agreed on the details. There is a 14 day right to appeal if either owner feels something is amiss, however, this is usually rare, as most of the issues are likely to have been ironed out before the Award is finally drawn up and legally signed and witnessed by the appointed surveyor(s).
How long is a Party Wall Award valid?
A Party Wall Award is valid for 12 months from the date of its service. This would mean that the building owner must commence the proposed works within 12 months of the date of the Party Wall Award.
Do you need a party wall agreement?
If you share a wall with your neighbour i.e. your property is a semi-detached or a terraced property, you will need to draw up a party wall agreement with your neighbour. If your property is detached, you may still need a party wall agreement if your property is within three to six metres of your neighbour’s external wall. This is also dependent on the depth of your foundation. Party wall Awards are important to avoid from unnecessary disputes and conflict between neighbours.
What happens if a neighbour reports damage to his or her property because of my extension?
The first step is to appoint a party wall surveyor… You may have already done this if you appointed a party wall company to draw up your agreement.
Once the appointed party wall surveyor(s) have been notified there are three possible routes to go down, all at the choice of the neighbour.
- Perhaps the most amicable route is when the building owner and the adjoining owner discuss and agree on a course of action without engaging the appointed party wall surveyor(s). In this scenario you and your neighbour agree between yourselves on arrangements for the damage to be made good or for a financial compensation to be made.
- The appointed surveyor(s) identifies the scope of the repair works by cross-referencing the pre-works condition report and a written schedule of repair works is drawn up and agreed between them. Your neighbour agrees for your contractors to undertake the repair work scoped by the appointed surveyor(s). Your neighbour may also request that the appointed party wall surveyor(s) confirm that repairs have been carried out satisfactorily on completion.
- The third route is as point 2 however instead of carrying the repairs you agree to pay your neighbour a financial compensation based on determination made by the appointed surveyor(s). Your neighbour can then choose to appoint their own contractor to carry out the works at their convenience.
The SDA Build London team know that this is a complicated area. We work closely with reputed party wall professionals who will be able to advise you on the best way forward for your particular home extension project. Given that most of our projects are in Chelsea, Kensington, Battersea, Fulham and surrounding areas where the majority of homes are semi-detached or terraced, we understand the importance of Party Wall Agreements.
Give us a call on 0208 191 7595 or email us at enquiries@sdabuildlondon.co.uk to discuss how we can help.
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If you could do just one project to renovate your home what would it be?
YouGov survey recently polled the most popular renovation among British homeowners. Can you guess what came out on top?
Find out here in this eye-opening article in Ideal Home.
If you’d like some guidance on your home improvement project, give us a call on 02081917595. Or better still, book a FREE consultation with us and we’ll visit your property, discuss your ideas and share some of our recommendations with no obligation.
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Considering a loft conversion or an extension, and confused on how to bring in the maximum natural light? Spend a few minutes reading through this comprehensive guide in Houzz on just how to do that with roof windows, rooflights and skylights.
If you’d like some guidance on the best way to add a rooflight or skylight to your extension or conversion, give us a call on 02081917595. Or better still, book a FREE consultation with us and we’ll visit your property, discuss your ideas and share some of our recommendations with no obligation.
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Dormer loft conversions or dormer windows are another way to achieve headroom where it might otherwise be difficult in a loft conversion or a house that doesn’t extend to two full storeys. According to Houzz Magazine, what makes a loft conversion a dormer conversion is the angle of the box: the dormer extension walls sit at a 90 degree angle to the floor. An L-shaped dormer also extends out over the slim rear addition common on Victorian houses, as well as sitting on the main body of the home, as seen in this image.
Technically, any property with a pitched roof could have a dormer loft conversion. If you have a flat roof, there’s no need to go for a dormer, because there’s no pitch you’re building out from.
Dormer windows are vertical units within a roof of their own, positioned, at least in part, within the slope of the roof. Ideal for loft conversions and creating extra space in the roof, the dormer window is a great alternative to the hip to gable or mansard loft conversion. In fact, a dormer can be added to an existing hip to gable conversion for even more space and height.
Pros of a Dormer Loft Conversion
- Lots of extra space – this type of loft conversion offers lots of additional room and head height space that you wouldn’t have otherwise had.
- Natural light – Due to the extra space, you will have the possibility of being able to choose between windows, French doors and balconies, giving you much more natural light. This means you’re also getting a much better ventilated space at the same time.
- Flexibility – With dormer loft conversions you can install skylights, a balcony, window seating; the possibilities are endless.
- Cost-effective – Dormer lofts are more cost effective as the conversion is less complex than other loft conversion options. In this case, you are simply maximising an already existing space, rather than creating a brand new structure and space.
- Easier planning permission – In most cases, dormer loft conversions do not need planning permission. (Please check with your architect and local council before you commence work). These kinds of loft conversions fall under permitted development Permitted development allows you to extend up to 40 cubic metres for a terraced property, and 50 cubic metres for a semi-detached or detached house. Under PD, the dormer must be set in 200mm from the eaves.
Cons of a Dormer Loft Conversion
- The look – Dormer loft conversions are very boxy and are not as aesthetically appealing as the others.
- They are more expensive than a simple Velux loft conversion.
Types of Dormers
- Single Dormers are most suited to houses with limited space.
- Full width Dormers ensure maximum space is achieved by using the full width of the property.
- Side Dormers are often used to increase head height for houses with a hipped roof, where access to the loft is located under that hip.
- L-Shape Dormers are recommended for certain properties such as Victorian ones. An L-Shape Dormer creates a significant amount of additional space.
If you are planning a loft conversion and need some guidance on how to go about it, give us a call on 0208 191 7595 or email us at enquiries@sdabuildlondon.co.uk to discuss how we can help.
To have a look at the kind of work we have done, why not download our free brochure? And if you need any help with managing your building project, our free project management checklist has been hugely popular.
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