Top 5 Things You Can do to Your Home Without Planning Permission

There are many home improvements that are classed by planning authorities as permitted developments, meaning that planning permission does not have to be granted in order to carry them out.

With planning permission sometimes difficult and lengthy to obtain, permitted developments are an increasingly popular and more cost-friendly choice for homeowners looking to add value to their home. We’ve listed a few of the improvements you could make as a permitted development, although we would recommend you check with your local planning authority before starting any work, just to make sure!

Home

Loft

Loft conversions are always a popular home improvement, with the added space proving valuable to larger families, and an extra bedroom having the potential to add tremendous value to a home.

No planning permission is needed when converting your loft provided your property’s dimensions remain unchanged, and the living space does not exceed 50 cubic metres for a detached property, or 40 for a terraced home.

Internal Developments

Providing the structure of your house from the outside remains the same, you can remodel your home internally without any planning permission. We would recommend that you seek Building Regulations guidance however, and check your home’s title deeds to ensure you do not take out any load-bearing walls without the proper safety precautions in place.

Single storey extension

It’s a commonly believed myth that all extensions require planning permission, however single storey extensions such as conservatories are often the loophole in this. The following conditions apply:

 – Terraced homes can be extended up to a 10% increase in size

 – Detached homes can be extended up to 15% in size

 – Building materials used should be similar to the original home

 – Rear extensions can be no more than 4m in depth, or 3m for terraced houses

Garden

Fence

Provided your fence does not exceed 2m in height, you do not need permission to erect one on the boundary of your property – provided you are not backing a public highway, in which a fence must not exceed 1m. We recommend checking your house’s title deeds for your boundary lines first to avoid any disputes with neighbours!

Swimming Pool

For the ultimate luxurious home improvement, permitted developments include building your very own swimming pool in the garden. It must not exceed 50% of the total garden area but, aside from this, you are free to get creative with shapes and designs, and create your very own spa in the comfort of your own garden.

To find our more about planning permission in the UK, visit the Government Planning Portal.

Here at AKB Loft Conversions, our team specialise in hassle free home improvements – be it a loft extension, house extension or a simpler kitchen extension, we’re on hand to cater for your specific needs.

If you want to find out more about your permitted development rights or the services we offer, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today; our friendly team will be more than happy to help you.