Rear extensions in Merton
9,658 applications since 2019. 6,787 approved and 1,254 refused. Refused: about 1 in 6 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 | 516 | 331 | 21 |
| 2025 | 1,172 | 816 | 155 |
| 2024 | 1,064 | 727 | 183 |
| 2023 | 1,126 | 779 | 179 |
| 2022 | 1,263 | 898 | 164 |
| 2021 | 1,637 | 1,156 | 192 |
| 2020 | 1,365 | 982 | 159 |
| 2019 | 1,515 | 1,098 | 201 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Croydon | 15,960 | 3,512 | about 1 in 6 |
| Kingston | 7,446 | 2,499 | about 1 in 4 |
| Lambeth | 7,555 | 1,720 | about 1 in 5 |
| Sutton | 6,672 | 1,716 | about 1 in 5 |
| Wandsworth | 8,539 | 720 | about 1 in 13 |