House Extension Guidelines 2022

Building an extension onto your property must comply with local house extension guidelines. These rules might seem complicated but are mostly straightforward. While it sounds like a daunting prospect, adding an extension to your home can be great. It adds value to the property and gives you that much-needed extra space too. There are, of course, certain caveats to the rules, including no building on designated land and limitations to conservation areas. So, what rules do you need to know about when planning an extension?

Guidelines for Rear and Side Extensions

You have a limit of four metres to the rear wall of the property that cannot go beyond unless you have planning permission to do so. For side extensions, these cannot exceed the four-metre mark in height. These must also be half of the size of the original property or less. If you want to go beyond these limits, planning permission from the local authorities will be required. Designated land cannot be used to extend your property either.

Single-Storey House Extension Guidelines

Except for a conservatory, extensions must use materials that align with the current property’s look. You cannot exceed the house extension by more than four metres in height or width from the back wall of the property. Anything beyond that would require local planning permission.

You can create a single-storey extension to your property that can be half the size or less of the original property. It can’t, however, be in front of the original building. Again, permission would be necessary.

Two-Storey Extension Guidelines

This is where house extension rules get slightly more complicated. So, let’s break it down into simple English.

You must be within three metres of the back wall of the property when building an extension onto a two-storey or more house.
You must ensure the extension is at least seven metres from the boundary line to the rear of your property.
Eaves and ridges must be the same height or less than the existing building.
Balconies and verandas will require planning permission, even when they don’t immediately overlook neighbouring properties.
The pitch of the roof must match the existing property (or be a close match).
Materials must match (or be similar to) the current ones used on the property.
Windows within the roof slope cannot be opened and must be obscure-glazed so they don’t overlook anyone.
A two-storey house extension is not permitted on designated land.

Semi-Detached and Terraced Extension Guidelines for 2022

Typically, you can extend the home by 3 metres without planning permission on a semi-detached or terrace home. This type of house extension, however, will require a lawful development certificate and can be applied for before or after the extension is complete. Of course, getting prior permission will be far simpler should any issues arise later.

When you live in a conservation area, you must stick with the same materials as the original building, or you will need planning permission. You cannot also infringe on a neighbour’s right to space or obstruct their access to natural light. Approval from local council authorities is likely to be necessary with terrace and semi-detached homes. It may be best to speak to your local council to determine whether your house extension will require planning permission or approval before the work goes ahead.

Guidelines for Detached House Extensions in 2022

Homes can be extended up to 4 metres under the permitted development scheme for detached homes. If you have a larger property, you may be able to build an extension of up to 8 metres. There are, however, several factors to consider, including the area in which the property is situated, conservation requirements, and more. Detached home extensions are often lenient when there are larger plots of land or lots of space between neighbouring properties.

You must consult the local authorities in case special permission is required. This keeps you right and ensures all extension work falls within permitted guidelines.

Know Where You Stand

Guidelines for home extensions in 2022 aren’t overly complex but can seem that way for a property owner. The reality is that some buildings won’t be eligible for an extension or will require permits to do so. For instance, flats and maisonettes will likely require planning permission. Neighbours can also object to any work being carried out. So, while it’s good to know the basic rules of a house extension in 2022, you also need to dig deeper to ensure your project runs smoothly.