Rear extensions in Torbay
1,410 applications since 2020. 1,031 approved and 224 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 | 126 | 53 | 12 |
| 2025 | 156 | 124 | 13 |
| 2024 | 169 | 128 | 28 |
| 2023 | 206 | 150 | 36 |
| 2022 | 243 | 184 | 48 |
| 2021 | 276 | 203 | 53 |
| 2020 | 234 | 189 | 34 |
Architects and agents, last 5 years
| Firm | Approved | Decided |
|---|---|---|
| Darren Law Architecture | 11 | 14 |
| PMR Architecture | 11 | 12 |
| Charles Blake Associates | 10 | 12 |
| RGS Architectural Design Consultants Ltd. | 9 | 10 |
| JD Architectural Design | 7 | 7 |
| Co Create Architects | 6 | 7 |
| CB Design | 4 | 6 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| South West Devon | 247 | 30 | about 1 in 9 |