One of the most frequently asked questions we get is do I need planning permission for an extension on my home. Let’s start with when you don’t need planning permission. This is called permitted developments.
Single-storey extensions
If your extension will have one storey, you don’t need planning permission as long as:
- it’s located at the back of the house
- it doesn’t go back further than 3 metres if it’s a terraced house, or 4 metres if it isn’t
- the height of the eaves (where the wall meets the roof) is no higher than 3 metres
- it’s not higher than 4 metres, including sloping roofs
- it doesn’t cover more ground area than your house does
- it doesn’t take up half the ‘curtilage’ – the grounds behind your home
- it isn’t within a conservation area
Multi-storey extensions
If your extension will have more than one storey, you don’t need to apply for planning permission for it as long as:
- it’s located at the back of the house
- there’s at least 10 metres between the extension and the boundaries of your grounds
- it isn’t higher than your house (excluding chimneys)
- it doesn’t cover more ground area than your original house does
- it doesn’t take up half the ‘curtilage’ – the grounds behind your home
- it isn’t within a conservation area
“Information taken from mygov.scot 2021.”
When you do need planning permission
Here is a handy checklist any of which means you are likely to require planning permission:
- You’re building a double storey extension.
- If your extension is more than half the land around the original house. Now watch out you have to take into account any extensions a previous owner has previously made and any other buildings.
- The extension faces onto a highway.
- The materials you want to use in your extension are not similar to the existing house.
- Higher than the highest point of your roof.
- The eaves and ridge height are higher than the existing house (single-storey and two-storey).
- You’re adding verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
- Your extension goes beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3 meters.
- Two-storey extensions must be no closer than 7 meters to the rear boundary. If it’s closer than 7 meters then you need planning permission.
- The maximum height of your single-storey rear extension is more than 4 meters.
For further advice about planning permission call me on 0131 603 7495 or email sales@sawmill-contracts.co.uk for further information.