Permitted Development Rights Explained

The basics

Permitted Development (PD) rights allow certain building works to go ahead without a full planning application, provided you stick to set limits. They cover many single-storey extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, porches and some changes of use (such as office-to-residential). The limits are numerical — depths, heights and volumes — so it is worth checking them against your specific house.

Key limits for houses (2026)

These are the headline limits; always confirm the current figures on gov.uk.

• •Single-storey rear extension: up to 4m deep (detached) or 3m (others), or 8m / 6m under the larger scheme with neighbour consultation.
• •Two-storey rear extension: up to 3m deep, no closer than 7m to the rear boundary.
• •Side extensions: single-storey, max half the original house width.
• •Loft conversion: up to 40m³ added volume (terraced) or 50m³ (detached/semi).
• •Outbuildings: up to 50% of the land around the original house.
• •Height limits and materials conditions apply to most works.

When rights do not apply

Flats and maisonettes have no PD rights for extensions. Listed buildings and properties in Conservation Areas, National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Broads have restricted rights. Some new-build estates have PD rights removed by a planning condition, and councils can apply Article 4 directions to remove specific rights in an area — common in conservation areas. If in doubt, apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.