Did you know that there are several home improvement projects that you could take on without requiring to have planning permission? Most small projects are considered permitted development, which means that they have an implied consent which allows you to carry them out.
However, it is worth noting that there are several limitations to permitted development rights, especially if you live in a listed building or designated area or you’ve already made several improvements to your home.
Larger, more extensive projects are still likely to require planning permission, and that’s where it can be helpful to work with a company such as Curchod & co, especially if you’re looking at commercial property in Camberley.
It is, therefore, advisable that you always check with the Local Planning Authority to ensure that the project you are taking on doesn’t require planning permission since in some cases permitted development rights no longer apply.
1. Can I Remodel My Home’s Interior?
Remodelling your home’s interior is an excellent way to add more space and can often be performed within planning permission, especially if the proposed work doesn’t require you to extend your dwelling’s overall footprint.
While you will not need planning permission, you’ll still need Building Regulation’s approval on electrical works and structural elements.
2. Can I Add/Move Doors and Windows?
Under normal circumstances, you can add or replace windows in the original walls of your home without requiring planning approval. However, you might need to have planning permission if there were conditions attached to the initial permission.
If your structure is not listed, it is possible to install double glazed windows/doors under permitted development; however, keep in mind that for bigger or new doors or windows, you’ll need to adhere to Building Regulation’s guidance. It is worth noting that bay windows are categorised as extensions.
You don’t need planning permissions to install a new door or window opening as long as all upper floor windows on the elevation side are all glazed with level 4 or 5 obscured glass. The door or window must also be fixed into non-opening frames – except the opener is over 1.7 meters above the floor of the room the door or window is being installed.
3. Do I Need Planning Permission to Convert My Garage?
Converting attached buildings like integral garages into a living space falls under permitted development as you aren’t increasing the building’s overall footprint.
Converting standalone garages may require you to apply for a change of use.
4. How Big Can Single-Storey Extensions Be Without Planning Permission?
Provided that you stay within the parameters highlighted below, you can build single-storey extensions without having to get planning permission:
- The extension doesn’t sit forward of the principal elevation
- Where it’s within 2 meters of a boundary, eaves can’t be higher than 3 meters, and shouldn’t be more than 4 meters in height.
- Materials used should be similar
- Side extensions – extension width should not be greater than half the original dwelling width. Side extensions aren’t permitted as per Article 1(5) (e.g. Conversation Areas, AONB)
- Rear extensions – depth should be no more than 4 meters for detached houses or more than 3 meters in depth for terraces and semi-detached housesVisit planningportal.gov.uk for the comprehensive list of caveats.
5. Can I Add a Roof Light?
Under permitted development, you can make changes to your roof, like adding a roof light, so long as the addition doesn’t project more than 15 centimetres from your roof’s slope.
Roof lights that extend forward past a roof’s plane on the elevation facing a highway aren’t allowed under permitted development.
Also, note that roof lights aren’t permitted on dwellings that are located in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Conservation Areas.
6. Can I Alter My Loft Under Permitted Development?
You can also achieve extra space through a loft conversion without having to get planning consent. While there are several limitations when it comes to cubic content acceptable under permitted development, 40 meters cubic is considered acceptable.
When looking for additional headroom in loft space, permitted development allows for the construction of a dormer window. However, the window mustn’t sit higher than the existing roof’s most elevated part, or extend further than the roof plane on the side of principal elevation.