Rear extensions in Ards and North Down
2,808 applications since 2016. 2,716 approved and 17 refused. Refused: about 1 in 161 here, about 1 in 7 across the councils we cover.
Last updated 9 November 2026.
Without planning permission
- Up to 3 m deep on a terrace or semi, 4 m on a detached house
- Up to 6 m or 8 m through the neighbour-consultation route, not on protected land
- No higher than 4 m, and eaves no higher than 3 m within 2 m of a boundary
- Together with other buildings, no more than half the garden and grounds
- Materials similar in appearance to the house
England, houses only. Flats, listed buildings, conservation areas and Article 4 directions change this. The full rules.
Year by year
| Year | Applications | Approved | Refused |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 141 | 114 | 1 |
| 2025 | 201 | 196 | 0 |
| 2024 | 209 | 200 | 3 |
| 2023 | 230 | 223 | 1 |
| 2022 | 273 | 270 | 0 |
| 2021 | 358 | 344 | 0 |
| 2020 | 274 | 264 | 2 |
| 2019 | 295 | 289 | 5 |
| 2018 | 276 | 274 | 1 |
| 2017 | 285 | 279 | 2 |
| 2016 | 266 | 263 | 2 |
Architects and agents, last 5 years
| Firm | Approved | Decided |
|---|---|---|
| Alistair Scott Design | 37 | 37 |
| Reality Architects | 33 | 33 |
| BGA Architects Ltd | 27 | 27 |
| Studio Lowry Architecture | 24 | 24 |
| Architectural Design Partnership | 23 | 23 |
| Gary McKee Architecture | 19 | 19 |
| GT Building Design | 18 | 18 |
| Dickson Architectural Services | 16 | 16 |
| Andy McDowell Design | 14 | 14 |
| Robert Gilmour Architects | 14 | 14 |