Permitted Development Rights Explained
What you can build without planning permission in the UK — the limits, the exceptions, and when you still need approval. Save months and thousands of pounds by knowing the rules before you start.
8 Weeks
Typical PD Timescale
£0
Application Fee (Most Routes)
98%
Our Approval Rate
40m³
Max Side Extension Volume
Permitted development rights are a national grant of planning permission that allows certain building works to proceed without submitting a full planning application. For homeowners and developers, this can save months of waiting and thousands of pounds in fees — but the rules are detailed and the exceptions are many.
The most common permitted development projects are single-storey rear extensions, double-storey side extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, and porches. Each has specific size limits, height restrictions, and conditions. Get one measurement wrong and you may find yourself needing full planning permission after all — or worse, facing enforcement action.
This guide explains what you can build under permitted development, the key limits for each project type, and the situations where PD rights don't apply. If you're planning an extension or conversion, this is the first thing to understand before you spend money on drawings or builders.
Projects That Qualify as Permitted Development
These are the most common projects that can be built without full planning permission, subject to the limits below.
Single-Storey Rear Extension
Up to 8m deep on detached/semi-detached homes, or 6m on terraced — under the larger home extension scheme.
Double-Storey Side Extension
Allowed up to 40m³ in terraced properties or 50m³ in detached/semi-detached, subject to height and boundary limits.
Loft Conversion
Up to 50m³ additional volume in a detached house or 40m³ in a terrace, with no extension beyond the roof plane at the front.
Outbuildings & Garages
Up to 50% of the curtilage area, with a max height of 4m for a dual-pitch roof or 3m for any other roof type.
Porch
Up to 3m² ground area, 3m high, and at least 2m from the boundary — no planning needed.
Internal Alterations
Most internal changes (walls, layout, fixtures) don't need planning permission — but listed buildings always need consent.
Situations Where You Need Full Planning
Permitted development rights are automatically removed in these common situations — always check before assuming your project qualifies.
Flats & Maisonettes
Permitted development rights do not apply to flats or maisonettes. Any extension or alteration requires full planning permission.
Article 4 Areas
Local authorities can remove PD rights in specific areas — common in conservation areas, national parks, and desirable neighbourhoods.
Listed Buildings
Listed building consent is required for any alteration that affects the building's special character, inside or out, regardless of PD rights.
Conservation Areas
PD rights are reduced in conservation areas. Side extensions, cladding, and rear extensions over 3m may all need planning permission.
New Dwellings
A new build home or a new dwelling created by subdivision always requires full planning permission — no PD route exists.
Previously Extended
If the property has already been extended, the total additional volume counts against your PD allowance — you may have used it up already.
How a Permitted Development Project Works
Even without a planning application, there's a clear process to follow to ensure your project is lawful and compliant.
Check Eligibility
Confirm your property type, location, and any Article 4 restrictions. We assess whether your project qualifies for PD.
Prepare Drawings
Architectural drawings showing existing and proposed plans, elevations, and a site plan — scaled and compliant with PD rules.
Lawful Development Certificate
Apply for a Certificate of Lawful Use (LDC) for peace of mind — this is optional but proves the work is lawful, which matters for resale.
Build Under Building Regs
Even without planning permission, building regulations approval is always required for structural work, electrics, and drainage.
The Key Limits to Remember
Not Sure If Your Project Qualifies?
The rules are detailed and the cost of getting it wrong is high. A 30-minute consultation with our team will confirm whether your project is permitted development — or whether you need full planning.
We'll assess your property, measure against the current rules, and give you a clear answer with no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Permitted development (PD) is a national grant of planning permission that allows certain building works to proceed without a full planning application. If your project falls within the PD rules, you can build without applying for planning permission. Planning permission is required for anything that falls outside those rules, or where PD rights have been removed. The key advantage of PD is speed — there's no 8-week planning decision to wait for, and no application fee for most routes.
A Certificate of Lawful Use or Development (LDC) is optional but strongly recommended. It's a legal document from the council confirming your proposed or completed work is lawful under permitted development. It costs £103 for householder applications and takes about 8 weeks. You don't need it to build, but it's essential when you sell the property — buyers' solicitors will ask for proof the work was lawful, and without an LDC you may face delays or price reductions.
Under the larger home extension scheme, neighbours are consulted for extensions between 4m and 8m (detached/semi) or 3m and 6m (terraced). If a neighbour objects, the council assesses the impact on amenity and can require the extension to be reduced. For extensions within the standard limits (up to 3m rear, or 4m for detached), there's no neighbour consultation. Party Wall Act obligations still apply regardless of planning — you must give notice to adjoining owners for work on shared walls.
If you apply for a Lawful Development Certificate, expect 6-8 weeks for the council's decision. Without an LDC, you can proceed straight to building regulations and construction — so the only timeline is your build programme. Building regulations approval typically takes 4-6 weeks for the initial submission, plus inspections during construction. From decision to start on site, most PD projects take 2-4 months including drawings, building regs, and contractor mobilisation.
If you build without planning permission and the work doesn't qualify as PD, the council can issue an enforcement notice requiring you to undo the work. There's a 4-year rule for extensions and a 10-year rule for change of use — after that, the work becomes immune from enforcement. However, you can't sell the property with unauthorised work without disclosing it, and buyers will struggle to get insurance or mortgages. It's always safer to confirm PD eligibility before building, or apply for retrospective planning permission if you've already built.
