Prior Approval - rear extension
Rear single storey extensions
Permitted Development legislation allows householders to build larger single storey rear extensions under certain circumstances. If neighbours are in agreement it is possible to build an eight metre extension on a detached house and a six metre extension on to a semi detached or terrace house.
The extension needs to conform to certain criteria - no more than 4 metres in height and built from the same or similar materials as the rest of the house. If you live in a conservation area or fall under Bournville Village Trust, Moorpool Estate or Calthorpe Estate etc different rules apply .
A prior approval application should be decided in 42 days whereas a planning application should take between 8/10 weeks, although this is taking longer at the moment due to planning officers working from home.
The Process
An application has to be submitted to the local planning department and they will charge £96. to administer the application.
They will write to the neighbours either side of your property and any property which touches your garden . If neighbours object the planning officer will then determine the proposal’s impact on the neighbour’s property, although in the vast majority of cases neighbours do not raise any objections as the height of the extension has to be 4 metres or less and therefore does not have much impact on their garden.
If following neighbour objections the application is refused you will still be able to build under Permitted Development. This grants the right to build a rear extension of up to 3m on a Semi Detached or terraced house and 4m on a Detached house as long as it meets strict criteria.
We can help
EasyPlan Architectural Services can advise you of the best approach to take to achieve the space you want to add to your home. We provide drawings and submit the application to the local authority. We can also provide Building Regulations drawings and provide structural calculations.We can advise whether your proposed extension would fall under Prior Approval and draw and submit an application to your local authority.
Areas covered include - Bearwood, Billesley, Blackheath, Bournebrook, Bournville, Brandwood, Brierley Hill, Bromsgrove, Cotteridge, Dudley, Edgbaston, Great Barr, Hagley, Halesowen, Hall Green, Harborne, Highgate, Kings Heath, Kings Norton, Meriden, Moseley, Northfield, Pedmore, Quinton, Selly Oak, Solihull, Stirchley, Stourbridge, Sutton Coldfield, Weoley Castle, West Bromwich, Woodgate, Yardley, Yardley Wood.