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Q&As
Can I build an extension under permitted development in a conservation area?
We’ve recently bought a house that we’re looking to make improvements to, and we’d ideally like to extend it. However, it’s located in a conservation area, which also has a covenant dictating that there can be no more than one skylight in the westward facing roof.
My question is whether a single storey extension into the garden would fall under permitted development, or would we need planning permission in a conservation area?
One Answer
Permitted development rights allow homeowners to carry out some extensions to their homes without needing full planning permission. The rights are set out in the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) and are subject to various rules and limitations, so you always need to be careful you don’t build something that does not quite comply for some reason.
In a conservation area, the GPDO restricts some of these rights. You can build a single-storey rear extension to a depth of 3m on a terraced or semi-detached house or 4m on a detached house. However, you can’t build ‘larger home extensions’ (extensions of up to 8m deep) in a conservation area and you can’t extend at roof level. So, you will need to apply for full planning permission for any extensions to the roof or for ground floor additions deeper than 4m.
Beware that councils can remove permitted development rights within their area by introducing an Article 4 Direction, so it’s best to check with your council before starting work. You can also apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness to get formal confirmation from the council that your proposed works fall under permitted development.
Martin Gaine (Build It planning expert)