Permitted Development Overview

Permitted development is development that can be undertaken without the need for a planning application to be submitted to the local planning authority.

The Government wants to give as much freedom as possible for people to extend their homes, such as building extensions and loft conversions, particularly given current pressures in the housing market.

A public consultation in 2007 looked at ways of reducing bureaucracy for householders seeking to improve their homes while protecting the interests of neighbours, the wider community and the environment.

The objectives of the proposed changes are:

• clarity, simplicity and consistency
• to make the need for specific planning permission proportionate to the impact of the development
• to keep the number of planning applications to a minimum
• to ensure the legislation is and can remain relevant to new technologies and changing lifestyles. 

While the overall aim is to relax the planning regime, the review proposals would also introduce a need for planning applications for householder developments with potential adverse impacts, which are currently allowed.

The current rules on permitted development are commonly based on determining the volume of additions or developments. This is often difficult for householders to work out and can still result in unwelcome development.

The proposals outlined in this guide would create a national legislative framework based on impacts but importantly the Government is also keen to ensure that local planning authorities (LPAs) have flexibility to amend permitted development rights locally where it is appropriate for their area.

It is very important to check with your LPA whether permitted development rights for your property have been varied or waived before starting any work.

The Government intends to bring forward legislation to make these changes on 1 October 2008.

Home energy generation

As part of this review the Government has recently extended and clarified the scope of permitted development for installing microgeneration equipment in domestic properties.

Wind turbines and air source heat pumps are not yet permitted development. However, once standards have been established to address the potential impacts of noise and vibration these technologies will also enjoy permitted development rights.