The measures include increasing the size of single-storey rear extensions that can be built under permitted development for a period of three years between 30 May 2013 and 30 May 2016. These larger extensions will be subject to a neighbour consultation scheme.
An extension or addition to a house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions: No more than half the area of land around the “original house” (as it was first built or as it stood on 1st July 1948) would be covered by additions or other buildings.
- No extension forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway.
- No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
- Single-storey rear extension must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than three metres if an attached house or by four metres if a detached house.
- Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres.
- Extensions of more than one storey must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house* by more than three metres.
- Maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres.
- Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house.
- Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house.
- Two-storey extensions no closer than seven metres to rear boundary.
- Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house.
- Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house.
- No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
- Upper-floor, side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.
- On designated land* no permitted development for rear extensions of more than one storey.
- On designated land no cladding of the exterior.
- On designated land no side extensions.
Please note: the permitted development allowances described here apply to houses not flats, maisonettes or other buildings.
* Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.
You are strongly advised to read a technical guidance document produced by the Government to help understand how permitted development rules might apply to your circumstances.