One of the questions we are asked the most at Cobbydale Construction is what is the maximum we can extend your house? Theoretically your home can be extended by any size providing you have the planning permission to do so. If you know you require planning permission or need assistance doing so, please contact us here. If you are unsure however then you may be able to extend your home depending on the scope of your desired extension under permitted development. Here are all the rules for extending your home under permitted development in 2024.
Preface
Certain rights under the following types of extensions may not be applicable if you live in an area of natural heritage, outstanding natural beauty or anything else otherwise referred to as ‘the green belt’ or designated land. For any type of extension with the exception of conservatories, the materials used must be in keeping with the original structure of the house. You can also only cover half of the land around the original house, as a result any extensions towards the front of the property requires planning permission. If the house has already had an extension since 1948, you cannot extend without planning permission first. The following are rules on extensions that do not require planning permission:
Single Storey
Rules for single storey extensions apply to the front, side and rear of the home. These include:
- The extension at the rear cannot be more than 4 metres from the back wall of the property.
- The extension can not exceed more than 4 metres in height.
Double Storey
Double storey extensions often mirror single storey extensions. Rules for double storey extensions include:
- If you have a single storey home, your double storey extension cannot extend more than 3 metres outwards from the back wall.
- A separate extension needs to be more than 7 metres from the rear boundary.
- If within 2 metres of the properties boundary, the eaves of the second storey cannot be higher than 3 metres.
- The ridge and eaves cannot be higher than the existing height of the property.
- The upper-floor windows in the roof slope or wall on the side elevation need to be obscure-glazed and can’t be opened.
Side Extension
The rules for side extensions are somewhat simpler, and include:
- The extension cannot exceed 4 metres in height.
- Cannot have a width of more than half the available property to build on.
Front Extensions
Front extensions differ slightly in that:
- It cannot be more than one storey.
- It cannot front into the road.
- It cannot be more than 3 metres away from the front wall.
- Cannot be larger than half of the width of the property.
Rear extension
The only real rule for rear extensions is that it cannot be more than 4 metres in height or away from the rear wall.
Porch Extensions
Similar to front extensions, a porch extension can be no higher than 3 metres or 2 metres outwards if the property boundary is next to a highway. Additionally it can’t be more than 3 metres squared.
Conservatories
The only general rule for conservatories is that it cannot be larger than half of the property.
Garden rooms
- The outbuilding must not sit forward of the principal elevation
- It must be only one storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5m
- They must not be used or residential accommodation, for example, bedrooms or annexe
Beyond the type of extension, what kind of property you have may add or reduce rules. These include:
Terraced and Semi Detached Homes
- The extension cannot be more than 3 metres in height.
- Semi detached extensions can go half the size of the property on the side and 3 metres at the rear.
- Cannot cause any loss of light, block a view, cause damage or reduce their privacy or house value to your neighbours by using materials out of the style of the area
Detached Homes
A detached home extension can extend outwards to 4 metres but can potentially go to 8 metres using the larger home extensions scheme (where you give your neighbours 28 days to dispute a proposal).
It is important to note that consultation on refreshing permitted development rights in the UK has just closed on the 9th April 2024. So, whilst these permissions are currently available, you need to be aware that these may be subject to change in the future if you are not planning an extension to your home just yet.
If you are ever unsure of your permitted development rights or are looking to extend your home, we are here to help. Operating in Keighley, Silsden, Bingley, Ilkley & Skipton you can contact us today on 01535 653530 or our contact form here.