What is permitted development?
Permitted development rights let you make some changes to a house without applying for planning permission, as long as the work stays within set limits. They come from national legislation, apply across England, and cover common projects such as rear extensions, loft dormers, porches, garden rooms, fences and solar panels.
Where do permitted development rights come from?
They're set out in the General Permitted Development Order 2015, which grants planning permission in advance for listed kinds of work. Schedule 2 of the Order is divided into Parts and Classes. The ones that matter most to homeowners are:
- Part 1, Class A: rear and side extensions.
- Part 1, Class B: loft dormers and other roof extensions.
- Part 1, Class C: other roof alterations, such as rooflights.
- Part 1, Class D: porches.
- Part 1, Class E: garden rooms, sheds and other outbuildings.
- Part 2, Class A: walls, fences and gates.
- Part 14, Class A: solar panels on buildings.
How do the limits work?
Each class has limits and conditions, and a project only counts as permitted development if it meets every one of them. Go over a single limit, even slightly, and the whole project needs planning permission, not just the part that's too big.
Most limits are measured from the "original house": the house as it was first built, or as it stood on 1 July 1948 if it's older. Extensions added by previous owners count towards the limits. Some bigger projects, such as the larger home extension scheme, are permitted development only after you've applied to the council for prior approval.
When don't permitted development rights apply?
- Flats and maisonettes don't have the Part 1 householder rights at all. Read about flats.
- Listed buildings need listed building consent for most changes, and some rights don't apply to them. Read about listed buildings.
- Conservation areas, National Landscapes, national parks and World Heritage Sites have reduced rights. Read about conservation areas.
- Article 4 directions let a council remove specific rights in a particular area. Read about Article 4 directions.
- Planning conditions on the original permission for your home, common on newer estates, can remove some or all permitted development rights. The council can tell you whether your home has one.
- Homes created by converting another building under permitted development, such as an office turned into flats, don't have householder rights.
How can I be sure my project is permitted development?
Our checker looks up the designations at your exact address and checks your measurements against the limits. For a formal answer, you can apply to the council for a Lawful Development Certificate. Permitted development only covers planning: most extensions and loft conversions still need building regulations approval.
Guides by project
- Do I need planning permission for a rear extension?
- Do I need planning permission for a side extension?
- Do I need planning permission for a loft dormer?
- Do I need planning permission for a garden room?
- Do I need planning permission for a porch?
- Do I need planning permission for a front wall or fence?
- Do I need planning permission for solar panels?