What are permitted development rights?

Permitted development rights allow you to carry out certain types of work without needing to apply for planning permission. These rights are defined by the General Permitted Development Order and include extensions, loft conversions, and other home improvements within specific size and design limits.

How accurate is this assessment tool?

Our tool provides preliminary assessments based on current UK planning regulations and your project details. While highly accurate for standard cases, we recommend consulting with a planning professional for complex projects or final confirmation before starting work.

What if my project needs planning permission?

If your project requires planning permission, our assessment will explain why and provide guidance on next steps. You'll need to submit a formal planning application to your local planning authority, which typically costs between £206-£462 depending on the project type.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes, permitted development rights can be restricted in conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, and properties with Article 4 directions. Listed buildings have additional restrictions. Our tool checks for these common limitations.

What are Permitted Development Rights?

Permitted development rights allow homeowners to carry out certain building works without needing to apply for planning permission. These rights are set out in permitted development regulations and cover householder planning for home extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, and garden buildings.

• Class A: Home extensions and additions
• Class AA: Garage to habitable room conversions
• Class B: Loft conversions and roof extensions
• Class E: Garden buildings and outbuildings

When Do You Need Planning Permission?

You'll need full planning permission if your project doesn't qualify under permitted development rights. Common reasons include exceeding size limits, being in a conservation area, or having Article 4 directions in place.

• Projects exceeding GPDO size limits
• Properties in conservation areas
• Listed buildings and Article 4 areas
• Flats and maisonettes (limited PD rights)

Do I need planning for extensions under permitted development?

Planning for extensions under Class A permitted development allows single-story rear extensions up to 6m (detached) or 4m (semi-detached/terraced) without planning permission, subject to permitted development conditions.

What planning for garden rooms and home offices is required?

Planning for garden rooms and home offices typically falls under Class E permitted development, allowing buildings up to 4m high and covering up to 50% of garden area without planning permission.

What planning for loft conversion applies?

Planning for loft conversion under Class B allows up to 50 cubic metres (detached) or 40 cubic metres (other houses) of roof space conversion including dormers without planning permission.

Do I need planning for home gym conversions?

Planning for home gym conversions depends on location - garage to gym conversions use Class AA rights, while new garden gym buildings use Class E permitted development rights.

What planning for garage conversion is needed?

Planning for garage conversion to habitable rooms falls under Class AA permitted development rights and typically doesn't require planning permission if adequate parking remains.

What is a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC)?

A Lawful Development Certificate provides formal confirmation that your permitted development project is lawful under permitted development regulations, offering legal certainty for building regulations and mortgage purposes.