Side extensions in Ards and North Down
1,496 applications since 2016. 1,448 approved and 13 refused. Refused: about 1 in 112 here, about 1 in 7 across the councils we cover.
Last updated 9 November 2026.
Without planning permission
- Single storey, no higher than 4 m
- No wider than half the width of the original house
- Not facing a road
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 | 92 | 72 | 0 |
| 2025 | 122 | 121 | 0 |
| 2024 | 117 | 113 | 3 |
| 2023 | 130 | 126 | 2 |
| 2022 | 145 | 142 | 1 |
| 2021 | 203 | 200 | 1 |
| 2020 | 167 | 164 | 0 |
| 2019 | 135 | 131 | 2 |
| 2018 | 122 | 121 | 0 |
| 2017 | 139 | 138 | 1 |
| 2016 | 124 | 120 | 3 |
Architects and agents, last 5 years
| Firm | Approved | Decided |
|---|---|---|
| Reality Architects | 24 | 24 |
| Alistair Scott Design | 17 | 17 |
| Andy McDowell Design | 17 | 17 |
| BGA Architects Ltd | 17 | 17 |
| Studio Lowry Architecture | 17 | 17 |
| Architectural Design Partnership | 10 | 10 |
| Dickson Architectural Services | 10 | 10 |
| GT Building Design | 10 | 10 |
| Gary McKee Architecture | 10 | 10 |
| RBE Design | 10 | 10 |