Permitted Development

Parking Areas

The creation of hardstandings within the garden of a house do not require permission. This could in theory include the whole garden and it does enable off street parking and turning to be created. There are occasions where planning permission can be refused for extensions due to limited off street parking, even where it is possible to create additional parking in the garden. But the planners may not wish to encourage the loss of green areas for parking. However, as permission is not needed to create the necessary parking, this kind of reason for refusal is easy to overcome by making sure the parking is available before making the application.

Rooflights/Skylights

Adding skylights to an existing roof does not require planning permission. A loft conversion benefits from the natural light although an enlarged rooflight may be required for a fire escape. Single storey ground floor spaces can also benefit by opening up the ceiling to expose the roof and the insertion of rooflights.

Single Story Extensions and Conservatories

If a house has not had an extension before - or since 1947 if it was built before then, it can be extended by a total of 15 per cent of its volume or 70m³.

This additional space includes roof extensions. For very large houses the 15 per cent may be larger than this 70m³ and the maximum is then 115m³.

At single storey level a pitched roof should not be higher than four metres to the ridge, or three metres for a flat roof and should bring the house no closer to an existing road than it is at present (unless it would be further than 20 metres away from the boundary of the property).

Swimming Pool

A pond in the garden simply to attract wildlife, or swimming pool for summer does not require planning permission. Covered swimming pools fall within the same restrictions as outbuildings - provided it doesn't cover more than half the total area of the garden.

Two Storey Extensions

A two-storey extension can use the 15 per cent permitted increase in volume (10 per cent for terraced homes). The roof height should be no higher than the existing house and, if within two metres of the boundary, it should not exceed four metres.

Provided the boundary is not too close, it's possible to build above a single storey garage or annexe to create new rooms without needing planning permission.

Windows and Doors

Window and door positions can be changed to maximise the light in rooms and make the most of views. The moving of doors can help maximise the layout of a room too. Whether it is a new first floor or ground floor window, it does not need permission.

Work from Home

Running a small business from your home requires no Planning Permission, provided that the primary and predominant use of the house remains as a dwelling. The amount of noise, traffic, visitors and the existence of employees are all highly relevant. Many businesses can exist invisibly within houses or in outbuildings in the garden without involving any change of use in planning terms.

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