This means that detached dwellings can have single storey rear extensions up to 8m deep and semis / terraces up to 6m deep…!

It’s not quite that straightforward (whatever is?) and you should always take professional advice as there are lots of tricky little ways to trip up with PD Rights and it doesn’t apply everywhere (e.g. Conservation Areas, National Parks, Listed Buildings etc.) and if you’ve already had extensions carried out they may preclude. Likewise, conditions attached to any existing planning permission may have already withdrawn Class A PD Rights…

Using the “larger extensions” PD still requires prior notification to the local planning authority who will then consult your neighbours as well; if there are no objections then the LPA should approve the application by default.

The process is the same that it has been since they brought in the “larger extensions” a few years ago; the change is that you no longer MUST complete the build by May 2019.

Remember, if in doubt, take professional advice!

Waverley Borough Council have granted a Lawful Development Certificate for a two storey rear extension for a client in Farnham. The client approached us after two previous planning applications for a two storey rear extension by another architect were refused. The client had reluctantly decided that they could no longer pursue the two storey option and asked us initially to look at a single storey design only – when we pointed out what could be acheived under Permitted Development Rights, avoiding the need for a full planning application and the possibility of a third refusal, they were amazed and instructed us to proceed accordingly.

The key to all things is a full understanding of the subtleties of both the local planning policies and the national Permitted Development Rights.