How is Permitted Development Different to Planning Permission?
As a homeowner wanting to extend or make changes to their property there are certain criteria that have to be met before any work can commence. But how is Permitted Development different to Planning Permission?
If you are planning to improve or extend your home there are a number of administrative applications you will need to complete in order to make changes to your property. But what exactly does the homeowner have to do to ensure that any changes planned adhere to all the rules? Do you need formal planning permission or can your project be completed under permitted development?
Permitted Development (also referred to as PD) does not follow the same formal planning route as Planning Permission but strict rules and certain criteria still have to be fulfilled. This is a preauthorised permission from your local planning department for a home project that fulfils very specific parameters. Permitted development rights allow for certain home improvements without the need to apply for planning permission. It can be a faster way of getting smaller building projects completed saving time, money and unnecessary administration.
However, not all building projects can be completed under permitted development, so it is essential that you, as the homeowner, do your own research. Seek advice from experienced and qualified builders, local planning departments, surveyors and architects. (see our blog post with top tips for choosing a great builder)
There are lots of popular changes and additions you might like to make to your property including extensions, loft or garage conversions and outbuildings. For a more specific examples and a detailed description of the rules take a look at this really useful guide published by the Federation of Master Builders, of which TED Construction is very proud members.
UK Government Guidance for Permitted Development
Under permitted development rules it is essential to ensure that neighbours are not impacted negatively by any development. Work must also be in keeping with the locality and aesthetic of the original building.
It can apply to all residential properties with the exception of flats and maisonettes and some newer homes. Bear in mind that homes in designated areas such as Conservation areas or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty have more restricted rules.
Another thing to be aware of is that historical development of your property may have already used up your permitted development rights. The total size of all extensions added to the building from its footprint in July 1948 (the date when modern planning regulations were introduced) can’t exceed the current limits. This means that any changes previous owners made to your property footprint after that date will form part of the allowance.
To understand more about the size restrictions, take a look at this useful visual guide on GOV.UK. This Government guidance is a useful way to help homeowners understand permitted development. It includes lots of clear visual references to illustrate the limitations of the work you may be considering.
Planning Permission Is a lengthier Application Process
Planning Permission is an application process that applies to larger scale projects, new builds and change of use situations. Your local authority planning department will be able to give guidance and advice for all of these types of projects. For planning permission you will need to work with a professional to draft and submit comprehensive plans and drawings alongside the application to your local authority.
Applying planning permission is a lengthier application process than permitted development but it is important to apply for planning permission in advance of any building work starting. In any situation where planning permission is refused you can opt to revise your plans or appeal the decision. For more useful information on planning permission, have a read of this helpful article.
It is also worth applying for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC). This confirms that any work carried out lawfully met permitted development requirements and did not need planning permission. This can be really valuable when you come to sell a property and need proof that all work carried out was in accordance with the regulations required. You can find out more about lawful development certificates here.
Building Regulations
It is also important that domestic building projects are completed in accordance with Building Regulations. This is the case whether the project comes under permitted development or planning permission.
The team at TED Construction, has completed lots of building projects. These include extensions, loft conversions and outbuildings in and around the Chichester area. Due to the size of many of our projects, formal planning permission is required. Others projects that are smaller in scale are eligible to be completed under the umbrella of permitted development. We have a great deal of experience working with architects, structural engineers, building control and local councils.
We are very happy to assist you with your building applications and support you by managing meetings and paperwork with local authorities and building control. We will also work with your chosen architects and structural engineers to manage your project or we can recommend professionals we regularly work with. This project management service is an integral part of our service that we carry out for all of our clients, free of charge.
If you live in and around the Chichester area and would like to chat about any of your building plans and ideas please do contact us on 01243 278018. We'd love to hear from you!
Note
All information and links included in this blog post are accurate at the time of writing (March 2025). Planning and building rules and laws may change over time so be sure to take professional advice before embarking upon any building project.
