Prior Approval for Larger Home Extensions: What You Need to Know
What is Prior Approval vs Permitted Development?
When extending your home, you may have heard about permitted development rights and prior approval. While permitted development allows certain home improvements without planning permission, prior approval is required for larger extensions that exceed these limits.
Prior approval is a process where your local council assesses the potential impact of your proposed extension on your neighbours and surrounding area. Unlike full planning permission, it is a more straightforward process but still requires submitting an application.
What Can You Do Under Prior Approval?
If you’re a homeowner looking to build a larger extension, prior approval allows:
- Single-storey rear extensions of up to 8m for detached houses and 6m for semi-detached or terraced houses.
- Upward extensions under separate prior approval rules for adding storeys to existing homes.
Under permitted development (PD), you may also be able to:
- Two-storey extensions to the rear of your property, subject to specific conditions including distance to boundaries, heights and size.
- Side extensions, but only if they comply with permitted development rules such as not exceeding half the width of the original dwelling.
Requirements for Larger Extensions
To qualify for prior approval, your extension must meet the following criteria:
- The extension must not exceed 4m in height for a single-storey rear extension, or 3m if it’s within 2 metres of a boundary.
- The materials used should be similar to the existing property.
- No extension should cover more than 50% of the land around the house.
- Neighbour consultation is required, and the council will assess any objections.
Prior Approval for Larger Home Extensions Process – What You Need to Know
- Submit an application to your local authority with details of your proposed extension.
- Neighbour consultation: The council will notify your neighbours, allowing them 21 days to raise objections.
- Assessment by the council, considering aspects such as privacy, light impact, and design.
- Approval or refusal: If approved, you can proceed with construction. If refused, you may need full planning permission or modify your plans.
Further information can be found here.
Comparing Prior Approval to Permitted Development
Permitted development allows smaller home extensions without prior approval, provided they comply with strict guidelines. However, we always recommend obtaining a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) to confirm compliance. An LDC provides peace of mind and proof that your extension is legal, which can be useful when selling your home.
Different Types of Prior Approval for Extensions
- Larger Rear Extensions: Extend your home beyond the usual limits under prior approval rules.
- Upward Extensions: Add extra storeys under separate prior approval rules.
Conclusion
Prior approval offers a fantastic opportunity to build larger extensions while avoiding full planning permission. However, the process involves council approval and neighbour consultation, so it’s important to get expert advice before proceeding. At JNC Architecture Ltd, we can guide you through the application process and ensure your extension complies with regulations.
