Changes to Permitted Development

Guide and templates for the notification and prior approval process for rear extensions under Part 1 Class A of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) as amended 30 May 2013

What has not changed

For all types of works that were permitted development prior to the changes on 30/05/2013, the system remains exactly the same. For example, if a developer wants to erect a 3m rear extension on an attached house or a 4m rear extension on a detached house, then they can still simply undertake the works without involving the local planning authority (LPA), or they can choose to submit an optional application for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC).

What has changed

The changes on 30/05/2013, as introduced by Statutory Instrument 2013 No. 1101, allow rear extensions to extend beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse by up to 8m in the case of a detached dwellinghouse and up to 6m in the case of any other dwellinghouse, subject to all of the following ADDITIONAL criteria (not applicable to rear single storey extensions to the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse up to 4m on a detached dwellinghouse or 3m in the case of any other dwellinghouse):

The extension must be single storey and not exceed 4m in height.
The house must not be on Article 1(5) land (e.g. Conservation Area, Area of Natural Beauty (AONB), National Park, etc) nor on a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).
Before starting works, the developer must notify the LPA (by providing a written description, plan, etc).
The LPA must consult the adjoining premises (minimum 21 days) and send a copy of the consultation letter to the developer.
If none of the owners or occupiers of any adjoining premises object to the proposed development, then the LPA must not assess the proposed development. Instead, the LPA confirms to the developer that prior approval is not required (or fails to issue a decision within 42 days). This indicates that the works would comply with condition A.4, but doesn't indicate whether or not the works would comply with any of the other limitations or conditions of Part 1 Class A.
If any of the owners or occupiers of any adjoining premises object to the proposed development, then the LPA must assess the impact of the proposed development on the amenity of all adjoining premises (not just the adjoining premises which are the subject of representations), and must take into account all representations made as a result of the consultation letter. To be able to make this assessment, the LPA may require the developer to submit further information. If the LPA gives prior approval (or fails to issue a decision within 42 days), then this indicates that the works would comply with condition A.4, but doesn't indicate whether or not the works would comply with any of the other limitations or conditions of Part 1 Class A. If the LPA refuses prior approval, then this indicates that the works would not comply with condition A.4, but doesn't indicate whether or not the works would comply with any of the other limitations or conditions of Part 1 Class A. In the latter case, the developer would have the right to submit an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
If the LPA confirms that prior approval is not required (or fails to issue a decision within 42 days), then the works must be undertaken in accordance with the information that the developer submitted to the LPA, unless the LPA and the developer agree otherwise in writing. If the LPA gives prior approval, then the works must be undertaken in accordance with the details approved by the LPA, unless the LPA and the developer agree otherwise in writing.
The works must be completed on or before 30/05/2016.
The developer must notify the LPA of the completion of the works as soon as reasonably practicable after completion.