|
|
|
|
Limited
Guidance Notes on Extensions |
|
|
|
Section
A - Permitted Development |
|
|
|
1. |
|
You are
allowed to build some extensions without planning permission,
providing they conform to certain requirements laid down by the
Department of the Environment † and the Local Authority
for the area. |
|
|
|
2. |
|
These
extensions are classified as 'Permitted Development'. They must
have a volume under a certain percentage of the original house.
The percentages vary depending on the type of house, such as
terraced or detached. Certain existing buildings on the land,
such as detached garages or stores may detract from this allowance
if they are closer to the extension than the regulation limit. |
|
|
|
3. |
|
Previous
extensions will also detract from this allowance. |
|
|
|
4. |
|
There
are other restrictions relating to the distance from a boundary
and the height of the roof along the boundary to which the extension
is allowed to be built. |
|
|
|
5. |
|
There
are also restrictions relating to the proximity to a highway
and in certain cases, to footpaths which may pass the property
adjacent to the boundaries, sometimes at the rear. |
|
|
|
6. |
|
Deciding
if an extension is classed as 'Permitted Development' can be
complicated and to proceed on incorrect, although well meant
advice can lead to the Local Authority issuing a demolition order
in extreme cases, or you may be required to apply for planning
approval retrospectively, which may not be granted without alterations. |
|
|
|
7. |
|
Sometimes
these issues do not come to light until a solicitor carries out
a search when you are in the middle of negotiations to sell your
property. The ensuing delay can lead to a lost buyer. |
|
|
|
8. |
|
To safeguard
against mistakes and to avoid complications when selling it is
advisable to apply to the council for a 'Certificate of Lawful
Use'. You will need to supply drawings with the application but
the Local Authority charge is normally only half of the full
planning fee. The Council will check your proposal against the
regulations and if it conforms, issue you with the document. |
|
|
|
9. |
|
Confirmation
of approval usually takes four to six weeks to come through. |
|
|
|
10. |
|
Some houses
have covenants applied to the original planning application by
the local authority which remove all or some rights to permitted
development. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
