The common question we get asked on a number of occasions here at Studio Charrette is, ‘What is permitted development, and how can I be certain something I want to do is permitted development?’ The obvious answer is to book in an appraisal with one of our expert consultants by emailing [email protected], providing your contact details, the full site address and what it is you are intending to do. If you want to know what exactly a planning appraisal consists of, please view our website and podcasts for further details.
You can perform certain types of work without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called ‘permitted development rights’. They derive from a general planning permission granted not by the local authority but by the government. To obtain the legal document to confirm something is permitted development, we always recommend the submission of a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC). We can advise you on this process and help you apply for an LDC, so please do contact us at [email protected], book in that call with one of our expert consultants, and they will explain all about what an LDC is, whether or not your project is suitable for an LDC, what exactly is required for one and how we can help you submit one.
Article 4 direction – Permitted development rights withdrawn
You should also note that the local planning authority may have removed some of your permitted development rights by issuing an ‘Article 4’ direction. This will mean that you have to submit a planning application for work which normally does not need one. Article 4 directions are made when the character of an area of acknowledged importance would be threatened. They are most common in conservation areas. You will probably know if your property is affected by such a direction, but you can check with the local planning authority if you are not sure.
Please note: Houses and flats created through permitted development rights (including changes of use) usually cannot subsequently use householder permitted development rights for additional development (e.g., an extension). Planning permission is usually required. You are advised to contact your local planning authority to discuss any such matters before starting work. Have you got an Article 4? Are you aware of one? Please book in that appraisal, and we can discuss this with you in detail.
Summary: Permitted development rights in the UK allow homeowners to extend or improve their homes without planning permission if certain conditions are met, like size limits of 4 m deep for detached or 3 m for others, and maximum roof space of 50 m³ for terraced or 50 m³ for semi-detached and detached houses. Homes in flats, listed buildings, or designated areas usually don’t qualify, and projects like front roof extensions or large wraparound extensions often need full planning permission. People often however make the mistake of carrying out the work and then not obtaining any LDC for it. Whilst an LDC is not a legal requirement, it is a proper legal document from your Local Planning Authority (LPA) which confirms what you are proposing is within the tolerances of permitted development. We always recommend these if we consider a development may be permitted development. If you don’t have one and you are selling your property, it could potentially hold up the sale until you get a legal document. It is always beneficial to obtain one. It gives you peace of mind and protects you from any future problems during or after the build should any complaints occur.
Permitted development rights are essentially a shortcut for homeowners, simplifying the approval process for more straightforward extensions or conversions. But it’s important to know that your project needs to follow specific guidelines and size limitations if you want it to fall within a PD. To find out more and discuss if your project is permitted development, please contact us and book a planning appraisal at email: [email protected].
Provide us with all the details of your project, and we will do the rest. We will contact you to book in a suitable time to have a phone or Zoom consultation with one of our expert consultants. They will, prior to your consultation, research your site address so that you can have a detailed and informed discussion about the most suitable type of application to submit and our reasons why. Shortly after the call, on the same day, you will receive by email our written summary and advice discussed during your consultation. You will also receive a quotation from us explaining what our fees are for the work on that type of application.
