Permitted Development – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

UK rules that allow certain building works without the need for full planning permission.

Permitted Development (PD) rights are part of UK planning law and allow homeowners to carry out specific types of extensions and alterations without applying for full planning permission, provided strict rules and limits are met.

While planning permission looks at whether development is acceptable in principle, Permitted Development focuses on pre-approved criteria such as size, height, position, and use. If your project stays within these limits, it can usually proceed without a full planning application.

Common projects that may fall under Permitted Development include:

• Single-storey rear extensions 
• Loft conversions and dormers 
• Garage conversions 
• Side extensions (subject to limits) 
• Roof alterations (Velux / rooflights) 
• Internal alterations (non-structural)
   

Not all homes qualify. Flats, maisonettes, listed buildings, and homes in conservation areas may have restricted or removed PD rights.

Even though full planning permission may not be required, accurate drawings are essential to prove your project complies with Permitted Development rules and to avoid future problems.

Permitted Development drawings support:

✅ Assessment of PD eligibility before you build
✅ Clear confirmation that size, height and location limits are met
✅ Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) applications
✅ Builder clarity and accurate pricing
✅ Mortgage, solicitor and future sale requirements

Without proper drawings and checks, homeowners risk:

• Breaching PD limits unknowingly 
• Enforcement action from the council 
• Problems selling or refinancing the property 
• Costly redesigns or retrospective applications

Planning Permission
Is this development allowed in principle?

• Design and appearance 
• Neighbour and street impact 
• Policy compliance
   

Permitted Development
Does the proposal stay within pre-approved limits?

• Size, height and volume 
• Position relative to boundaries 
• Use and roof alterations
   

✅ Planning decides if you can build
✅ Permitted Development decides whether permission is required

Permitted Development rules typically control:

• Maximum extension depth and height 
• Roof volume increases for loft conversions 
• Distance from boundaries 
• Materials (similar appearance) 
• Position relative to highways 
• Use of the property as a single dwelling
   

Anything outside these limits will usually require full planning permission.

• Many projects need both 
• Permitted Development may avoid planning, but Building Regulations still apply 
• Building Regs approval is usually needed before construction starts
   

MyHomePlans provides both planning drawings and building regulations drawing packages, delivered 100% online for projects across the UK.

Speak to MyHomePlans for free expert guidance on Permitted Development and LDC drawings.

We’ll review your proposal and confirm whether your project qualifies.

📞 WhatsApp / Phone: 07835 743338
📧 Email: hello@myhomeplans.co.uk

🌍 100% online service – nationwide & worldwide

To prepare your Permitted Development drawings, we typically need:

• Property address 
• Photos of the property 
• Existing plans (if available) 
• Sketches or layout ideas
   

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything — we’ll advise what’s needed.

• Standard: 7–10 working days 
• Fast Track: 3–5 working days (optional) 
• Urgent: 48–72 hours (subject to availability)

MyHomePlans offers fixed-fee Permitted Development packages based on project type and complexity.

Typical fees from:

• Small projects: from £395 
• Extensions & lofts: from £595 
• Complex PD schemes: from £795
   

Send your details for a confirmed fixed quote.

In England, Permitted Development rights are set out under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order.

Most houses in England benefit from PD rights, allowing certain works without full planning permission, provided all limits and conditions are met.

Common PD works in England include:

• Single-storey rear extensions (within depth and height limits) 
• Loft conversions and dormers (subject to volume limits) 
• Garage conversions 
• Rooflights and minor roof alterations 
• Outbuildings and garden rooms
   

⚠️ Permitted Development rights may be restricted or removed for:

• Flats and maisonettes 
• Listed buildings 
• Conservation areas (additional controls apply)
• Properties with previous planning conditions removing PD rights
   

A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is strongly recommended in England to provide legal confirmation of compliance.

Wales operates under its own version of Permitted Development legislation, separate from England.

While many PD principles are similar, size limits, roof allowances, and conditions can differ, particularly for:

• Extensions 
• Roof alterations 
• Outbuildings
   

In Wales:

• Some developments allowed in England may require planning permission 
• Permitted Development rights can vary by local authority 
• LDCs are still available and recommended as proof of lawfulness
   

Because of these differences, designs should never be assumed compliant based on English PD rules alone.

Our UK-Wide Permitted Development Service

MyHomePlans provides Permitted Development drawings for projects across:

✅ England
✅ Wales
✅ Scotland

Each project is reviewed based on:

• Property location 
• Local authority policies 
• National PD / PDR legislation 
• Site-specific constraints
   

This ensures your drawings are accurate, compliant, and defensible.

Scotland does not use the term “Permitted Development” in the same way as England and Wales. Instead, development is assessed under “Permitted Development Rights (PDR)” defined by Scottish planning legislation.

Key differences in Scotland include:

• Different size and height thresholds 
• Different rules for roof alterations and dormers 
• Stricter controls in conservation areas 
• Separate treatment of outbuildings and curtilage works
   

Some works commonly allowed under English PD may require planning permission in Scotland.

A Certificate of Lawfulness can be applied for in Scotland to confirm that works are permitted.

Why Regional Rules Matter

Applying the wrong country’s PD rules can lead to:

❌ Refused LDC applications
❌ Enforcement risk
❌ Issues during property sales
❌ Costly redesigns

That’s why every MyHomePlans project is assessed against the correct national and local planning framework before drawings are produced.