Rearextensions

Prior approval for single storey rear extensions (Larger Home Extensions)

If you live in a terraced or semi-detached property, which is not within a Conservation Area and is not a Listed Building, permitted development rights allow you to extend the rear of your house by 6 metres - subject to certain criteria.  For people living in a detached property the allowance is 8 metres. However, anyone wishing to do this will first need to apply to the Council for Prior Approval, which is different to a planning application.

You will need to complete a  'notification form for a proposed larger home extension' and the fee for this is currently £240. We will then write to the immediate neighbours and give them 21 days to decide if they wish to object.  If there are no objections then as long as an extension falls within the permitted development rules we have to grant Prior Approval (ie the scheme can go ahead).  If there are objections we will consider the impact of the proposal on the residential amenity of all adjacent neighbours and we will either decide whether to grant or refuse the prior approval. There is a right of appeal against any refusal of a Prior Notification.  We have to issue a decision within six weeks.

The Planning Portal website provides further on 'Larger Home Extensions - Neighbour Consultation Scheme' provides.

Other Prior Approvals

Certain changes of use do not require planning permission providing certain specified issues are agreed and a number of limitations and conditions are met, including the size of the unit and the commencement date.  This is referred to as the Prior Approval process. For further details, on the use class order and 'changes of use' please see the details on the planning portal.   

Permitted Development otherwise known as Article 4 Directions

In order to keep control over development in certain locations (for example in Conservation Areas) the Council is able to make an 'Article 4 Direction', the effect of which is to take away 'permitted development' rights, meaning that planning permission will be required.

Article 4 Directions are made under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.   Details of Article 4 Directions in the borough can be found via Planning Constraints.