We can build your extension once you have planning permission

How the application process works for domestic planning permission

Most planning and building control applications are submitted online. The Planning Portal helps you apply to any local authority in England and Wales and advises you of all the documents you need to submit and the correct fees. Most planning applications require a location and site plan.

Does my proposed work require planning permission?

Loft conversions only need planning permission if the additional roof space created exceeds 40 cubic metres for terraced houses and 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses.

Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, must be set back as far as is viable, at least 20cm, from the original eaves. This 20cm distance is measured along the roof plane.

Single storey extensions don’t require planning permission if the planned extension doesn’t exceed 50% of the total area of land around the original house. However, extensions aren’t permitted if they’re forward of the principal elevation or side elevation of the house and fronting a highway.

Also, the width of a side extension shouldn’t be greater than half the width of the original house, and a single storey should be a maximum height of four metres. A single storey rear extension mustn’t extend beyond the rear of the original house by more than three metres on an attached house or by four metres on a detached house.

As with single storeys, a two-storey rear extension won’t require planning permission if it doesn’t exceed 50% of the total area of land around the original house. You should also ensure the maximum eaves and ridge height of the extension is no higher than the existing house.

If your extension is within two metres of a boundary, the eaves height should be no higher than three metres. In addition, extensions of more than one storey shouldn’t extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than three metres or be within seven metres of any boundary opposite the rear wall of the house.

How is planning permission decided?

Your planning application is reviewed in line with your local planning authority’s development plan, which considers:

•    Number, size, layout, siting and external appearance of buildings
•    Infrastructure available such as roads and water supply, and proposed means of access
•    Landscaping requirements
•    Proposed use of the development
•    Impact on the surrounding area

Minor planning applications are usually decided by a senior planning officer at the LPA, or the planning department may prepare a report for a planning committee made up of elected councillors.

How long does it take?

Most planning applications are decided within eight weeks. If they’re large or complex, this could be extended to 13 weeks. Your local authority should obtain your written consent to extend the period, if they can’t decide your application within eight weeks.

Once a decision has been made, your local authority will write to let you know the outcome and once you have planning permission approval you will need to get some quotes on the proposed building works.

Would you like an estimate on your planned extension or building works?

TM Roofing & Building specialises in all types of roofing and building works. If you’d like an estimate following planning approval, please give us a call on 01252 815719 and we can provide you with some options and a quotation on your home extension.