Permitted Development Rights: A Guide for Homeowners

Planning a home improvement project? Demystifying the process can feel overwhelming. But fear not! This guide explores Permitted Development Rights (PDRs), a homeowner’s secret weapon for completing certain renovations without the hassle of full planning permission. Let’s unlock the potential of PDRs and empower you to make informed decisions for your dream home.

Planning permission can often be a lengthy and complicated process. For many homeowners in the UK, it’s one of the first hurdles they must overcome when starting a construction project. 

Whether you are building something new, making changes to an existing building, or altering the use of a property, planning permission is typically required.

However, there is a way to make certain home improvements without needing full planning permission. 

Permitted Development Rights (PDR) come into play. 

Permitted Development Rights allow homeowners to carry out specific types of work on their property without having to apply for planning permission. Understanding these rights can save you time and money.

Permitted Development Rights cover various projects. These include building extensions, converting lofts, adding porches, or installing solar panels. 

It’s essential to know what is allowed under PDR to avoid unnecessary delays and complications. For instance, while a single-storey extension might be permitted, a larger or two-storey extension could require formal planning permission.

Knowing your rights and the limits of PDR is crucial. It helps ensure that your project complies with local regulations and avoids potential legal issues. 

By understanding what’s allowed under Permitted Development Rights, you can confidently plan your home improvement projects. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and simplifies the process of enhancing your home.

These issues can get quite complicated quite quickly, so do book a call with us today to see what can be achieved for your property. 

What Are Permitted Development Rights?

In August 2020, the UK Government updated the Permitted Development Rights (PDR) scheme. 

These updates allow homeowners in England to improve and extend their properties within specific guidelines, without needing to apply for full planning permission. 

This change aims to simplify the process of home improvement, making it easier for plans to be approved by local authorities.

Permitted Development Rights are designed to encourage renovations and reduce bureaucracy. By streamlining the approval process, the government hopes to promote more home improvement projects. 

This is particularly beneficial in the wake of lockdown measures, as unprecedented numbers of homeowners are now looking to renovate and enhance their living spaces.

Under the PDR scheme, various projects can be undertaken without full planning permission. These include:

• Building extensions

• Converting lofts

• Adding porches

• Installing solar panels

However, it’s important to note that these rights are subject to certain limitations and conditions. 

For instance, while a single-storey extension might be permitted, larger or more complex projects could still require formal planning permission.

Furthermore, adapting your building proposals in line with Permitted Development Rights can save you both time and money. 

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to understand the specific guidelines and ensure your project complies with them. By doing so, you can avoid potential delays and legal issues. 

Therefore, having this knowledge empowers homeowners to make informed decisions and simplifies the process of enhancing their homes. 

Ultimately, understanding PDR helps you confidently proceed with your home improvement plans.

Applying for Planning Permission

Applying for planning permission can be a daunting task for many homeowners. 

According to a study by the Homeowners Alliance, at least 25% of homeowners have encountered issues with planning permission applications, viewing it as a significant obstacle to home renovation.

Indeed, there are several common issues faced by homeowners, such as long timescales, high costs, and refusals. 

However, there are steps you can take to mitigate these problems. For instance, thorough preparation and understanding of the requirements can significantly ease the process. 

Thankfully, we’ve already written extensively on this subject. 

So, if you’re considering the planning permission route, take a look at our blog on the most common problems for UK planning applications and how to avoid them.

Moreover, providing your project plans meet detailed Permitted Development Rights (PDR) requirements, you might be able to bypass standard planning permission. 

This could potentially save you both time and money. 

PDR allows certain types of home improvements to proceed without the need for full planning permission, as long as they fall within specific size and usage guidelines.

Although the PDR scheme is continually expanding, it currently only covers certain proposals and specific sized renovations and properties. Understanding these rights is crucial. 

Therefore, it is essential to familiarise yourself with both planning permission and Permitted Development Rights to successfully navigate the renovation process.

What’s allowed under Permitted Development Rights?

Since Permitted Development Rights were first introduced in 2015, the scheme has expanded to cover a range of small extensions, loft conversions, garage renovations, basements, porches, as well as internal additions such as solar panel installation, new doors and windows.

While we always recommend you check your specific proposals with planning experts, architects and your local council, here’s a brief guide to what you can expect from the most common PDR guidelines:

Home extensions

• Extensions cannot be built higher than the highest part of the existing roof.
• The extension can cover a maximum area of half the land around the original property.
• Extensions must only be built to the side or rear of the property (rather than forward-facing).
• The work cannot include cladding to the exterior.
• The work must not make any alteration to the roof of the existing property.

Single storey extensions

• Single-story rear extensions should not exceed 4 metres in height.
• Extensions in detached houses cannot be built beyond 4 metres to the rear of the original property.
• For other types of property, the extension limit is 3 metres.

Garages

• Building works must be internal. Proposed garages cannot enlarge the size of the original property.
• Projects must use building materials similar to the existing house.
• Garage side extensions will need full planning permission.

Additional storeys and loft conversions

In the latest addition to the Permitted Development Rights scheme, you can construct up to two additional storeys to your property depending on how many storeys you already have. For example, if your house already has a first and second floor, you can add up to another two floors – which could include a loft conversion.

This can be a tricky area, so expert advice is required – but some of the important guidelines state:

• Conversions of more than one storey should not extend beyond the rear wall of the original property by more than 3 metres.
• Each added storey cannot add more than 3.5 metres to the total height.
• Roof alteration is sometimes accepted, although roof pitch must remain the same.

Internal property improvements

• Solar panel installation to your roof is covered by the scheme. Usually any alterations to your roof or cladding would have to go through planning permission.
• New windows and doors (including frames), are covered as they are deemed minor home improvements
• Balconies are not permitted under the PDR scheme.

More information and detailed advice on how to comply with Permitted Development Rights can be found online. You can and should also ask your architect and local council for their opinions and advice. Architects are the true experts on construction plans, working consistently with clients to ensure these pass local planning regulations or permitted development rights.

Properties excluded from Permitted Development

It’s important to remember that not all homes are automatically eligible under the Permitted Development scheme! 

If your home isn’t eligible, don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you can’t build your ideal project. It just means you may have to alter your plan to meet PDR or go through planning permission.

PDR rights do not apply to the following properties:

• Buildings built before 1 July 1948 or after 28 October 2018.
• Properties that have already undergone significant redevelopment, extension or renovation.
• Properties that are located within conservation areas, national parks, world heritage sites, SSSIs or areas of outstanding natural beauty.
• Grade-listed buildings are also excluded.

Do I have to pay any fees?

Last but not least, a common question for homeowners are the fees involved. The good news is that you are exempt from paying a fee as long as your proposals are in line with Permitted Development Rights.

If you are seeking prior approval for Permitted Development (and this is recommended in most circumstances), it will cost you in the region of £100. Most homeowners will hire professional surveyors and architects for their project, who will charge their own fees for work.

With this initial guide to Permitted Development Rights for homeowners – you should have an indication of whether your project might fall under PDR or full planning permission. If you are ever unsure, talk with your architect and local planning officials, who will be able to advise.