What work is allowed under permitted development rights?
FAQ
Picture this: You're planning to make changes to your home, but are unsure about the rules and regulations.
The term 'Permitted Development Rights' might sound quite formal, but it's an important concept to understand if you're thinking of doing work on your home. Essentially, these are rights that allow homeowners in the UK to carry out certain types of work without needing to apply for planning permission. They were introduced to simplify the planning process and reduce the administrative burden on local planning authorities. However, they're not a free-for-all and there are still rules to follow.
Understanding permitted development rights can help homeowners navigate the planning process more smoothly and with greater confidence. They allow for a wide range of works, from small alterations to more significant extensions and conversions, without the need for planning permission. However, it's vital to remember that these rights are not unlimited and the proposed work must still comply with building regulations. An Architect can offer expert guidance in this area, ensuring your home improvements are both compliant and personally meaningful.
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Permitted development rights cover a range of works for residential extensions and new build homes. They include small alterations such as replacing windows or doors, installing solar panels, or creating a new driveway. More significant works are also covered, such as building single-storey extensions, adding a porch, or converting a loft into living space. It's important to note that these rights only cover the exterior of the house, so interior modifications don't require planning permission unless they involve structural changes.
The size and location of the proposed work can affect whether it falls under permitted development rights. For instance, single-storey extensions can't extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than three metres if it's an attached house, or by four metres if it's detached. Similarly, the maximum height for a single-storey rear extension is four metres. Loft conversions are subject to their own set of rules, including a maximum volume allowance of 40 cubic metres for terraced houses and 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the design of the proposed work. While planning permission may not be needed, the work must still comply with building regulations to ensure it's safe and structurally sound. This is where an Architect can provide valuable advice, helping to design a solution that not only meets these regulations but also reflects your ambitions and values.
