Recent Changes To Planning Regulations
Here is a run down of current changes to the planning system with regards to Domestic , Householder Permitted Development Rights
The Full Information about how planning permission might apply to various types of householder projects can be accessed through the Planning Portal's interactive house guide - Here - http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/hhg/houseguide.html
Extensions
Planning Permission Under new regulations that came into effect on 1 October 2008 an extension or addition to your home is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:
No more than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings.
No extension forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway.
No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
Maximum depth of a single-storey rear extension of three metres for an attached house and four metres for a detached house.
Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres.
Maximum depth of a rear extension of more than one storey of three metres including ground floor.
Maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres.
Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house.
Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house.
Two-storey extensions no closer than seven metres to rear boundary.
Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house.
Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house.
No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
Upper-floor, side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.
On designated land* no permitted development for rear extensions of more than one storey. On designated* land no cladding of the exterior. On designated* land no side extensions.
* The term "original house" means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.
* Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.
Building Regulations Most extensions of properties require approval under the Building Regulations.
Note - You Will Still Need Building Regulations Drawings and Full Building Regulations Approval Even If You Do Not Require Planning Consent
Converting Your Loft
Planning permission is not normally required. However, permission is required where you extend or alter the roof space and it exceeds specified limits and conditions.
Under new regulations that came into effect from 1 October 2008 a loft conversion for your home is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:
A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres for terraced houses
A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses.
No extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts the highway.
No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house.
No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
Side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.
Roof extensions not to be permitted development in designated areas*.
Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back, as far as practicable, at least 20cm from the eaves.
*Designated areas include national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.
Building Regulations Building regulations approval is required to convert a loft or attic into a live able space.
Note - You Will Still Need Building Regulations Drawings And Full Building Regulations Approval For Your Loft - Even If You Do Not Require Planning Consent