Rear extensions in Dorset
24,855 applications since 1980. 21,110 approved and 1,974 refused. Refused: about 1 in 12 here, about 1 in 7 across the councils we cover.
Last updated 8 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 | 508 | 330 | 32 |
| 2025 | 670 | 566 | 43 |
| 2024 | 662 | 556 | 53 |
| 2023 | 776 | 661 | 55 |
| 2022 | 930 | 760 | 77 |
| 2021 | 1,121 | 929 | 79 |
| 2020 | 849 | 696 | 54 |
| 2019 | 790 | 682 | 40 |
| 2018 | 931 | 762 | 78 |
| 2017 | 1,012 | 828 | 81 |
| 2016 | 921 | 726 | 103 |
| 2015 | 806 | 650 | 79 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCP | 22,658 | 2,352 | about 1 in 11 |
| Wiltshire | 0 | 0 | none |