Side extensions in Birmingham
42,970 applications since 1978. 34,293 approved and 5,588 refused. Refused: about 1 in 7 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 | 547 | 332 | 50 |
| 2025 | 996 | 811 | 139 |
| 2024 | 1,048 | 864 | 133 |
| 2023 | 1,247 | 964 | 222 |
| 2022 | 1,569 | 1,313 | 183 |
| 2021 | 1,762 | 1,453 | 188 |
| 2020 | 1,507 | 1,233 | 180 |
| 2019 | 1,542 | 1,264 | 177 |
| 2018 | 1,603 | 1,307 | 182 |
| 2017 | 1,568 | 1,284 | 167 |
| 2016 | 1,578 | 1,307 | 141 |
| 2015 | 1,452 | 1,175 | 162 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bromsgrove Redditch | 2,106 | 125 | about 1 in 18 |
| Dudley | 10,932 | 1,570 | about 1 in 8 |
| Lichfield | 1,786 | 163 | about 1 in 12 |
| Solihull | 3,001 | 187 | about 1 in 17 |
| Walsall | 1,775 | 182 | about 1 in 11 |