Larger home extensions

Step one

A homeowner wishing to build a larger single-storey rear extension must notify the local planning authority and provide:

• a written description of the proposal which includes the length that the extension extends beyond the rear wall of the original house, the height at the eaves and the height at the highest point of the extension.
• a plan of the site, showing the proposed development
• the addresses of any adjoining properties, including at the rear
• a contact address for the developer (the householder) and an email address if the developer is happy to receive correspondence by email

A plan drawn to an identified scale will assist the authority in assessing your development proposal. Plans can be bought from one of our accredited suppliers using our buy-a-plan service.

There is no fee in connection with this process.

Step two

The local authority may ask for further information if it needs it to make a decision about the impact of the development on the amenity of adjoining properties.

Step three

The local authority will serve a notice on adjoining owners or occupiers, i.e. those who share a boundary, including to the rear. This will give the address of the proposed development and describe it, including the information in 1(a) above. It will also set out:

• when the application was received, and when the 42-day determination period ends
• how long neighbours have to make objections (which must be a minimum of 21 days), and the date by which these must be received

A copy of this notice must also be sent to the developer.

Step four

If any adjoining neighbour raises an objection within the 21-day period, the local authority will take this into account and make a decision about whether the impact on the amenity of all adjoining properties is acceptable. No other issues will be considered.

Step five

Planning Portal - Notification Guidance V1 5. The development can go ahead if the local authority notifies the developer in writing either:

• that as no objections were received from adjoining neighbours it has not been necessary to consider the impact on amenity, or
• that following consideration, it has decided that the effect on the amenity of adjoining properties is acceptable

Please note: restrictions on permitted development for extensions continue to apply. See further details on the Planning Portal.

Step six

If the local authority does not notify the developer of its decision within the 42-day determination period, the development may go ahead.

Step seven

If approval is refused, the developer may appeal.

Step eight

The extension must be built in accordance with the details approved by the local authority (or, if no objections were raised or the local authority has not notified the developer of its decision, the details submitted), unless the local authority agrees any changes in writing.

Step nine

The development must accord with all other relevant limitations and conditions which apply to other rear extensions allowed under permitted development. These are set out in Class A, and include for example, the requirement that the extension must be constructed using materials of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the rest of the house. See further details on the Planning Portal.

Step ten

To benefit from these permitted development rights, the extension must be completed on or before 30 May 2019. The developer must notify the local authority in writing of the date of completion.