What Permitted Development Means for Homeowners in Essex

Are you thinking about extending your home, converting your loft, or creating a garden office in Essex? Before you start building work, it’s essential to understand what permitted development rights (PDRs) are and how they could simplify your project. MP Chartered Architects, frequently help Essex homeowners navigate these regulations to unlock their home’s potential without the hassle of full planning permission. Lets help you understand what ‘Permitted Development’ means, the types of projects it covers, and what you need to know as a homeowner in Essex.

What is Permitted Development?

Permitted Development Rights are a set of national regulations that allow homeowners to carry out certain building works without needing to apply for full and lengthy planning permission. These rights are designed to streamline the process for straightforward home improvements, helping you save time, reduce costs, and avoid the complexities of a full planning application. However, there are specific rules and limitations depending on the type of property, its location, and the scale of the project. It’s vital to ensure that your plans fit within these parameters to avoid potential legal issues down the line.

What Types of Projects Fall Under Permitted Development?

Permitted development rights typically cover several common home improvements, including:

Single-Storey Rear Extensions

You can usually add a single-storey rear extension without planning permission, provided it meets certain size requirements:

• 4m if a detached houses
• 3m for any other house

Single-Storey Side Extensions

To be a maximum width of half the width of the original house

Two-Storey Rear Extensions

You can build a two-storey extension up to 3 meters deep, but there are strict conditions you must meet as follows:

• Must not exceed 3 meters in depth from the original rear wall of the house
• Be set back at least 7 meters from the rear boundary (opposite your extension)
• Materials used must be similar in appearance to the existing house
• Cannot be higher than the existing roof of your house
• Not include any balconies or raised platforms

Loft Conversions

Converting your loft is a popular way to add extra living space without altering the home’s footprint. Under permitted development:

You can add up to 50 m3 of roof space for detached houses and semi-detached houses or 40 m3 for terraced homes. Dormer windows can also be added as long as they don’t exceed the highest part of the existing roof, and are to the rear of the property.

Outbuildings and Garden Offices

Creating additional structures like a garden office or shed is often covered by permitted development, provided:
The building is single-storey and under 2.5 metres in height, if within 2m of the boundary, or up to 4m high if more than 2m from any boundaries. It doesn’t take up more than 50% of the total garden / outdoor area including outbuildings or additional structures on the site.

Porches

Building a porch at the front of your home can also fall under permitted development if it is:

• No more than 3 square metres, measured externally.
• Under 3 metres in height.
• A minimum of 2 metres from the boundary and highway.

Internal Alterations

You can often make significant changes to the interior of your home without needing permission, such as:

• Moving or removing internal walls.
• Installing new windows or doors (if not changing the external appearance significantly).
• In addition, it is important to remember if your property is located in a Green Belt area or is a Listed Building, permitted development rights may be restricted, and you may need to apply for Prior Approval or full Planning Permission.

Prior Approval

In some cases your project may not meet all of the Permitted Development regulations and fall under Prior Approval. This streamlined process applies to certain types of permitted developments that may have potential impacts requiring review by the local planning authority. It is not full planning permission but involves a notification process where the local authority has a chance to assess specific aspects. Prior Approval is required for projects that fall under permitted development rights but may also involve aspects that could affect the surrounding area, like larger extensions or change of use.

Home owners should always consult a reputable RIBA Chartered Architect to ensure that if your project falls outside the scope of permitted development, that the necessary permissions are granted.
We look forward to speaking with you and discussing your new home development project in Essex and beyond.

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Author: Jessica Parkes
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