Side extension under Permitted Development Rights and Prior Approval
If you are considering a side extension under permitted development, it is crucial to familiarise yourself thoroughly with the criteria governing such constructions. Lack of awareness about these criteria may result in a refusal, putting your investment at risk.
First and foremost, confirm that your dwelling is a house, not a flat or maisonette. Given that you reside in a semi-detached house, you can check this requirement off your list. Additionally, ensure your extension adheres to specific constraints surrounding space:
- If your side extension is within 2 metres of a boundary, the eaves height of the rear extension must not exceed 3 metres.
- The side extension should be a single storey and must not surpass a total maximum height of 4 metres.
- The extension should not occupy more space than half the land surrounding the original house, where ‘original house’ refers to the property’s state as originally built or as of 1st July 1948 for constructions predating that period.
- The width of the side extension must not exceed half the width of the original house.
- The expanded section of your residence should not protrude beyond a wall forming the principal elevation of the original house or a side elevation facing a highway, particularly applicable to corner properties.
For a detailed breakdown of all pertinent permitted development guidelines, consult Schedule 2, Part 1, Section A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (GDPO). To interpret the GPDO, refer to the technical guidance provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Semi-detached house extensions require careful planning and should not be approached without professional understanding.
Planning Permission for Side Extensions
Not every semi-detached house side extension falls under permitted development. In areas where Article 4 directions prohibit permitted side extensions or if other restrictions prevent such development, an alternative application must be submitted, with a focus on planning permission.
When seeking planning permission, the council often considers ‘material planning considerations’, assigning varying importance based on factors such as your location, the assigned case officer, and the specific nature of your property.
Ultimately, the Local Planning Authority (LPA) determines how these considerations are applied. Common planning considerations include:
- Ensuring your semi-detached house side extension doesn’t impede neighbouring properties’ access to daylight and sunlight, with larger extensions more likely to be declined for this reason.
- Prevent extensions from becoming overly dominant, ensuring they are subordinate to the main dwelling and maintain a positive street view.
- Assessing the impact of the extension on the character of the existing property and the local context, particularly in conservation areas where the extension must enhance and preserve the surrounding style.
- Addressing concerns about overlooking and loss of privacy for neighbouring properties, is a significant consideration for a semi-detached house, which may necessitate creative solutions in glazing design.
These are just a few policy considerations that planning authorities may use when evaluating semi-detached house side extension proposals. Failure to align with the established policies could lead to rejection. Hence, it is highly recommended to engage a planning and design studio well-versed in the policy requirements for side extensions in your specific area.
Christopher David Design understands the intricacies of gaining planning permission for side extension projects. Contact us for a complimentary consultation to learn more about the process of extending your semi-detached house.
Lawful Certificate for Semi-Detached House Extensions
Even if planning permission is not required for your project, obtaining a Lawful Development Certificate is strongly recommended. Failing to meet Permitted Development criteria can have serious consequences. If the council deems your development unlawful and you lack the proper certification, they can issue an enforcement notice, ordering you to revert your property to its previous state, resulting in significant financial and time loss.
A Lawful Certificate is also crucial for property sales, buyer’s solicitors typically seek assurance that the property holds all necessary certificates. Without this certification, you may risk losing the sale or needing to substantially reduce the property’s price. Acquiring this certification safeguards against potential legal complications when selling your home in the future.
