Understanding Permitted Development Rights

Understanding Permitted Development Rights    

Introduction  

Navigating the regulations for home alterations can be challenging. General Permitted Development Rights (GPDO) provide homeowners with the liberty to modify their properties without planning permission. However, it's crucial to note that legislation for internal changes, especially within a residential dwelling's curtilage, may differ.  

What are Permitted Development Rights?   Permitted Development Rights (PDR) provide homeowners with the ability to carry out certain types of work without the need for planning permission. These rights are subject to specific criteria and limitations. Below are examples of permitted development rights for residential properties, categorised under various classes from Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.    It is important to note that Permitted Development Rights (PDR) for residential properties generally do no apply to flats or maisonettes PDR primarily apply to single-family homes.     

Class A: Extensions and Improvements   

Single-Storey Rear Extensions: 

• Detached Houses - Extend up to 8 metres from the original rear wall.
• Other Houses - Extend up to 6 metres from the original rear wall. 
• Conditions - Must not exceed 4 metres in height; materials should match the existing house. 

• Up to 50% of the width of the original house. 
• Must be single-storey and no more than 4 metres in height. 
• Should not extend beyond the front elevation of the house. 

  Class AA: Additional Storeys   

Upward Extensions:  

• Adding up to two additional storeys on houses of two or more storeys. 
• Adding one additional storey on single-storey houses. 
• Conditions: The extension must not exceed the height of the existing house by more than 3.5 metres; materials should match the existing house. 

  Class B: Additions to the Roof   

Loft Conversions:  

• Add dormer windows or roof lights. 
• Increase roof space by up to 50 cubic metres for detached/semi-detached houses and 40 cubic metres for terraced houses. 
• Conditions: Dormers should not extend beyond the plane of the existing roof slope on the principal elevation.

  Class C: Other Roof Alterations   

Rooflights and Skylights:   

• Install rooflights or skylights on any roof slope. 
• Conditions: Must not project more than 150mm from the roof slope. 

  Class D: Porches  

Porch Additions  

• Add a porch to any external door. 
• Conditions: Must not exceed 3 square metres in floor area, must not be more than 3 metres in height, and must not be within 2 metres of any boundary adjacent to a highway. 

  Class E: Outbuildings and Sheds   

Garden Buildings and Sheds:   

• Construct outbuildings such as sheds, greenhouses and garages. 
• Conditions: Must not cover more than 50% of the total area of the curtilage, must not be forward of the principal elevation, and must not exceed 4 metres in height (if it has a dual-pitched roof) or 2.5 metres in height (if within 2 metres of a boundary). 

  Class F: Hard Surfaces   

Hardstanding for Vehicles:  

• Create a hard surface for parking within the curtilage of the house. 
• Conditions: Must be porous or provision must be made to direct runoff water to a permeable or porous area within the curtilage. 

  Class G: Chimneys, Flues, and Soil and Vent Pipes:   

Chimneys and Flues:  

• Install or replace chimneys, flues, or soil and vent pipes. 
• Conditions: Must not exceed the highest part of the roof by more than 1 metre. 

  Class H: Microwave Antennas   

Satellite Dishes:  

• Install one satellite dish on a house or within its curtilage. 
• Conditions: Dish must not exceed 1 metre in diameter and must not be installed on a chimney, wall, or roof slope fronting a highway. 

• Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas: Properties in conservation areas or those that are listed buildings face additional restrictions. For these properties, certain Permitted Development Rights (PDR) may not apply, or extra permissions might be necessary.
• Article 4 Directions: Local authorities have the power to remove specific permitted development rights in designated areas through Article 4 Directions, which necessitate planning permission for changes that would typically be allowed.
• Building Regulations: Compliance with building regulations is mandatory for all projects, even those that fall under permitted development, to ensure that safety and quality standards are upheld.

  Understanding these examples and their associated conditions can help homeowners navigate their renovation and improvement projects more effectively, fully utilizing their permitted development rights.   These are a few examples of the Permitted Development Rights available for residential properties.

For further information, please reach out to us at enquiries@4dplanning.com, and we will be happy to assist you with your queries regarding permitted development rights for residential dwellings.