Make it Your Own

Some new build homes cannot be extended without first obtaining written permission from the builder or property developer. However, this is only requirement for a set number of years, often only two or three which will be specified within the new build documentation. Most developers will grant permission without any hassle once the developed has been finished even if before the specified time.

You can undertake some extension projects without the need for planning permission, referred to as your “permitted development rights”. Under the rules, single storey rear extensions can come out by up to 3 metres for semi-detached, terraced and link-detached houses, and by 4 metres for a detached house. This is based on the original plans of the building, or as it stood on 1 July 1948 if older. However, you can apply for prior approval for rear extensions up to 6 metres for semi-detached, terraced and link-detached houses, or by up to 8 metres for a detached house. We will guide you through this. It really is a simple process.

In the last few years, permitted development rights have expanded to encompass a wide range of projects. But, you’ll need to be sure your project meets the rules. If it veers beyond what is permitted, you will have to apply for full planning permission.

You may remember the ‘larger home extension’ scheme that was introduced in 2012, which allowed you to build rear extensions up to 8m in length. Since September 2020, this has now been brought into your permitted development rights. Detached houses have an allowance of 8m and other homes 6m. However, any rear extension classed as large (longer than 4m for detached or 3m for everyone else), needs prior approval which involves consulting your neighbours on the development. There are also height parameters. The extension needs to be less than 4m in height (or less than 3m if within 2m of a property boundary). And, have eaves and a roof ridge that are no taller than the existing house. A rear extension needs to take up less than 50% of the size of the land around the original house (“original” being when the property was built, or if it was built before 1948, then as it stood on 1st July 1948).

A lawful development certificate (LDC) is not compulsory, but not having one in place puts you at risk. For example, if your designs unknowingly deviate from the guidelines, you could face fines and even be asked to demolish your build. And when it comes to selling your home, you’ll need to prove to your buyers that your projects were completed within the permitted development rights of the time. It is far simpler and quicker to do this if you have a lawful development certificate. You’ll then be able to prove to future buyers the space is legal without any delay or uncertainty . You can apply to your local council for an LDC via the Planning Portal online application service. The application must provide sufficient information for the council to decide the application or else it may be refused. You will have to pay a fee. If applying for a lawful development certificate feels daunting, you can always have an architect or other planning service manage the process on your behalf. Though securing a certificate will take a couple of months, the peace of mind it provides may make it worth the wait. If your application is partly or wholly refused or is granted differently from what you asked for, or is not determined within the time limit of 8 weeks, you can appeal. You can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. We will help and guide you through this.

Regardless of whether or not planning permission is required, any renovation project must comply with building regulations. You’ll need to ensure whoever carries out the work can either self-certify the work (for example, FENSA accredited window fitters, Gas Safe registered gas engineers and NICEIC registered electricians and so on) or will liaise with the local Building Control Officers at your council to have their work certified. If the requirements aren’t met, you could be served with a notice to take the extension down and will have trouble when it comes to selling your home without the relevant Building Regulations certificates.

Before starting the project it’s important that you contact your home and contents insurance provider to let them know of your plans. The extension will likely increase the rebuild cost of your house. Insurers take this into account when pricing premiums. While building work is being undertaken, it could put the property at risk of damage. If you don’t let your insurer know and there’s a problem with the property at some point, you may find your policy is void. Your insurer will let you know if your current policy will cover the new extension. You may find your premiums increase. If for some reason they are unable to cover the property now, you’ll need to find a new provider before your cover is cancelled. You should also check that any builder working on your property has professional indemnity insurance to cover the costs should something go wrong.