One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is whether their project needs planning permission. The answer depends on the scale, location and type of work — and getting it wrong can be costly.
Permitted development (PD) rights allow certain types of building work without a formal planning application. For houses (not flats or maisonettes), this typically covers single-storey rear extensions up to 6 metres (8 metres with prior approval), loft conversions within 40m³ of additional roof space, and outbuildings within the curtilage of the dwelling.
However, PD rights can be removed or restricted. If your property is in a conservation area, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or is a listed building, many PD rights are withdrawn. Previous extensions or alterations by former owners also count against your allowances. We always recommend a Lawful Development Certificate — a formal confirmation from the council that your project falls within PD rights — before starting work.
For projects that do require planning permission, the process typically takes 8–12 weeks for a householder application. We manage the entire process on our clients' behalf, from pre-application discussions with the planning authority through to discharge of conditions. Our approval rate across the past five years exceeds 96%.
The key takeaway: never assume. A 20-minute conversation with our team can clarify your position and prevent expensive mistakes. We offer free initial consultations specifically to address planning questions before you commit to design fees.