Extending your home can add much-needed space as well as value to your property. But one area that is of constant worry is whether or not you will need planning permission. When you choose a rear extension, it is unlikely you will need to seek permission. In this article we will look into rear extensions in more detail, and why a single-storey extension is the quickest and easiest choice to make.
Rear Extension : Single Storey Extensions
If you are planning a single storey extension to the rear of you home that is ground-floor, it is highly unlikely that you will need planning permission. In England the rules for extensions under permitted developments are relaxed, allowing you to extend your home easily. A large kitchen or additional lounge rooms are popular choices for a rear extension.
Permitted Development
Permitted development rules in England allow for a structure to be built up to six metres from the original rear wall of your semi-detached or terraced home. If your home is detached, then this limit extends to eight metres. As long as your extension is completed by 30 May 2019, you can also build up to 4 metres tall. So, to take advantage of these rules, and to make sure you get your extension finished in time, it’s time to call in your Bristol extension builders. But first, let’s take a look at what you need to be able to take advantage of these relaxed PD rules.
First and foremost, you must live in England. You can also not reside in a conservation area, a World Heritage Site, or an area of outstanding natural beauty. Your dwelling must be a house, not a flat or maisonette. You must also ensure the build will be completed prior to 30 May 2019. Although you will not need to apply for planning permission, your plans should be pre-approved by your building team and architect.
When to Take Care
If your plans are not approved, your local authority can ask for the removal of your extension. This could be because it is located in an area where extensions are not allowed such as an area of natural beauty, or for a number of other reasons. For example, if you live in an older property, you should check that the rear wall of your home is indeed the original wall and not one built at a later date. Prior approval from your local authority should cover you for the rear extension you plan on building.
When planning a rear extension to your home, it is often a good idea to build the extension in keeping with the rest of your home. This does not mean that you can’t add a modern extension, but the more “different” your plans are the more likely they may not be approved. If you share a wall with your neighbour, then you will also need a part wall agreement. To make the process easier, once again, submit modest plans that your neighbours and your local authority won’t disapprove of.