Prior Notification of Householder Single Storey Rear Extension

• Guidance on the Planning Portal

Guidance Note to Accompany Application

Legislation allowing larger single-storey rear extensions to be built under permitted development rules came into force on 30 May 2013. The new size limits are subject to a neighbour consultation scheme and require information to be submitted to the Local Planning Authority (LPA).

Householders are able to build larger single-storey rear extensions under permitted development. The size limits will double from 4 metres to 8 metres for detached houses, and from 3 metres to 6 metres for all other houses. These new larger extensions (i.e. if they extend between 4 and 8 metres, or between 3 and 6 metres) must go through a “prior notification” process through the LPA which is subject to a neighbour consultation scheme. We have provided a Householder Prior Notification Form (PDF, 272KB)  for applicants to submit to the Council to find out if prior approval is required for extensions of this size.

The dimensions specified above are measured as a projection from the Rear Wall of the Original House.

The rules do not apply if:

• the extension exceeds 4 metres in height 
• the house is in a Conservation Area; or
• the house is within a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The notification process requires information and plans to be submitted to the LPA by the developer. The LPA will then consult with neighbours (occupiers or owners of adjoining premises) for a period of 21 days. If an objection is received then the LPA will assess the impact of the proposed extension on the amenity of the neighbours. The LPA may then either allow the development to go ahead or refuse approval. If the LPA refuses the application then the applicant has a right of appeal. A decision must be issued within 42 days from the date the Council receives the information.

If no objections are received, or if the Council fail to issue a decision with 42 days, then there will be a deemed approval.

If the extension is subsequently built out it must be completed by the 30th May 2019. A completion certificate must be submitted to the LPA.

• Draft Central Government guidance on neighbourhood consultation scheme

It is important to note that the prior approval / notification process which the Council will assess is separate to an assessment of whether all elements of the extension do or do not require planning permission.  As well as submitting the application form specified above, you may be advised to use the Council’s Permitted Development Enquiry Service if you are considering a household extension which you think may not need full planning permission.

Information required with a Householder Prior Notification Application

The application form sets out the required information.
A written description of the proposed development must be provided and must include:

1. how far the enlarged part of the dwelling/house extends beyond the rear wall of the original dwelling/house
2. the maximum height of the proposed extension
3. the height of the eaves of the extension

• All dimensions should be metric.
• A plan must be provided that indicates the site and shows the proposed development. Accurate, metric and to scale/dimensioned plans will help to ensure that the development can be assessed properly by neighbours and the LPA and will remove the likelihood of objections based on insufficient information.
• The full addresses of any adjoining premises must be provided with the application. “Adjoining” means any premises which share a boundary with the site.
• A developer contact address must be provided. Ideally an email address will also be provided if the developer is content to receive communications electronically.

Questions and Answers

Q1. Do I need to submit a Prior Notification Form if I am planning a single storey extension which would project less than 3 metres from the original rear wall of an attached house or less than 4 metres from the original rear wall of a detached house?
A1. No – you are advised to use the Council Permitted Development Enquiry Service only.

Q2. Do I need to submit a Prior Notification Form if I am proposing a single storey extension which would project more than 6 metres from the original rear wall of an attached house or more than 8 metres from the original rear wall of a detached house?
A2. No – you will need a full planning permission for this.

Q3. If I am proposing a single storey extension that would project between 3-6 metres from the original rear wall of an attached house or between than 4-8 metres from the original rear wall of a detached house, can I go ahead build the extension as permitted development without submitting a Prior Notification application?
A3. No – the legislation requires the notification process and consultation with neighbours to take place.

Q4. if you have planning permission for my proposed extension would I still need to submit a Prior Notification Form for the same extension?
A4. No – if you have planning permission then you are able to develop in accordance with the conditions of your planning permission.

Q5. What would happen if I submitted a Prior Notification application but did not include all of the required information in my application.
A5. If the LPA noted such an omission then it is likely you would have to resubmit the information again and a new 42 day period would start. However, if the omission was not noted then it is possible that you would not have a valid permission to build the extension. For example, if you failed to provide the correct addresses of all of your adjoining neighbours.

Q6. Can the LPA request additional information from the applicant during the course of the application?
A6. Yes – the LPA can require the developer to submit additional information as may be reasonable required to consider the impact of the extension on the amenity of any adjoining premises.

Q7. What would happen if I received Prior Approval from the LPA but then I wanted to change my extension?
A7. You must contact the LPA in this situation. You may be required to submit a new application.

Q8.What happens if my neighbours object?
A8. If a neighbour objects within the 21 day consultation period then the LPA will consider the impact on the amenity of the neighbour that objected and other neighbouring properties as well. The LPA is able to refuse an application on these grounds. It is therefore strongly advised that you discuss your plans with your neighbours prior to submitting an application to the Council.

Q9. what would happen if I submit a Prior Notification application and no objections are received?
A9. The LPA will notify you that no objections have been received. At that point the extension may be considered Permitted Development. However, the householder/developer will be responsible for ensuring that all other conditions of Class A, Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended) are satisfied.  The Council can only offer such confirmation through our Permitted Development Enquiry service or through a Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development.

Q10. Could I end up in a situation where I have received Prior Approval for my extension but I still need to apply for full planning permission to build my extension?
A10 Yes – this scenario could arise if your proposed extension does not meet other limitations set out in Class A, Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended). Again, you would only receive confirmation of this from the Council through our Permitted Development Enquiry service or through a Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development.

Q11. How will the 3 year time limit work?
A11. If an extension is subsequently built out under these permitted development rights, then a completion certificate must be provided to the LPA confirming completion as soon as reasonably practicable. The notification shall be in writing and shall include (a) the name of the developer, (b) the address or location of the development, and (c) the date of completion.

Q12. What if my house is a listed building?
A12 You would still need a separate Listed Building Consent as well as ensuring the extension complies with Permitted Development limitations for the purposes of planning permission.

Q13 Is there a fee for the Householder Prior Notification Procedure?
A13 Yes - the fee is £96

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Contact Development Management - Planning

Page last reviewed: 30 June 2020