Quick answer
Not every extension needs a full planning application, because many home improvements fall under what are called permitted development rights, which let you carry out certain works without applying for planning permission, subject to size and other limits. A single storey rear extension can often come within permitted...
Guidance for United Kingdom. General information, not legal advice.
We want to build a single storey rear extension on our house. Do we automatically need planning permission, or can some extensions be done without it?
Not every extension needs a full planning application, because many home improvements fall under what are called permitted development rights, which let you carry out certain works without applying for planning permission, subject to size and other limits. A single storey rear extension can often come within permitted development if it stays within the specified limits on how far it projects, its height, and how much of the garden it covers, among other conditions. However, there are important situations where permitted development rights are restricted or removed, for example if your home is a listed building, is in a conservation area or similar designated area, is a flat or maisonette rather than a house, or where rights have been removed by a specific condition. So the answer really depends on the details of your property and your proposed extension.
The safe approach is to check the current permitted development limits against your exact plans, and if there is any doubt you can apply to your local planning authority for a lawful development certificate, which formally confirms that the work does not need planning permission. That certificate is very useful evidence when you later sell the property. Bear in mind that planning permission is separate from building regulations approval, which deals with the safety and construction of the work and is usually required regardless. This is general information rather than advice on your specific project.
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