K Rundell are Norfolk and Suffolk builders who refurbish, extend and improve homes, and Permitted Development rights mean that Planning isn’t always needed.
Permitted Development (PD) rights in the UK allow homeowners to undertake certain improvements without the need for formal planning permission, streamlining the process of enhancing your living space. Here are some examples of projects typically allowed under PD.
Homeowners can add a single-storey rear extension without planning permission, provided it doesn’t extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 4 metres for detached houses, or 3 metres for other dwelling types. The maximum height is restricted to 4 metres. We should know. Rundell’s are the go-to Norfolk and Suffolk builders for extensions – extending homes is what we built our reputation on!
Converting a loft is also often permissible under Permitted Development rights if it doesn’t exceed 40 cubic metres for terraced houses or 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses. Extensions must not exceed the existing roof slope at the front of the house, and materials should be in keeping with the existing appearance.
Adding a porch to any external door of your house is allowed without planning permission, provided the ground area doesn’t exceed 3 square metres, no part is more than 3 metres above ground level, and it’s not within 2 metres of any boundary adjacent to a highway. Converting an existing garage or constructing a new outbuilding for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling (like a home office or gym) is generally permitted, too. The new structure must be single-storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and an overall height of 4 metres with a dual-pitched roof, or 3 metres for other roof types. As builders working across Norfolk and Suffolk, we’re well aware of the importance of complying with height restrictions, especially in the conservation areas in this historic and beautiful region.
Installing rooflights or dormer windows is permissible without planning permission as long as they don’t project more than 150 millimetres beyond the plane of the existing roof slope, are not higher than the highest part of the existing roof, and, in the case of dormers, are set back at least 20 centimetres from the original eaves. And then how about fitting solar panels? Well, that’s allowed under Permitted Development, provided the panels don’t protrude more than 200 millimetres beyond the plane of the wall or roof slope, and are not installed above the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys).
While PD rights offer flexibility, it’s crucial to ensure that the property isn’t located in a designated area (e.g., a Conservation Area) where Permitted Development rights may be restricted; that the building isn’t listed, as additional permissions are required for listed buildings; that previous extensions haven’t exhausted the PD rights for the property.
It’s crucial that you check with the local Planning Authority or with a consultant to confirm that your intended project complies with current PD regulations. We’ll be happy to advise you on the steps to take, to ensure that your home improvement plans proceed smoothly and in accordance with the law.
Talk to the go-to builders for Norfolk and Suffolk today. Talk to Rundell’s! Call us on 07913 989 441, or drop us a line at info@krundell.co.uk
