Permitted development rights explained
Rules. Updated 1 November 2026
Permitted development is planning permission granted by law for set types of work, so you do not apply to the council. It covers most small extensions, lofts, outbuildings and other changes to a house in England, as long as the work stays within fixed limits. The rules are in the General Permitted Development Order.
Who has it
Houses. The householder rights do not cover flats or maisonettes, or any building that contains a flat. For those, most outside work needs a planning application.
A house converted from offices or shops without a planning application has no extension rights either.
What takes it away
- Listed buildings. Some rights stop completely, including outbuildings and fences within the grounds. Listed building consent is separate and applies whatever the planning answer.
- Protected land. Conservation areas, National Parks, National Landscapes, the Broads and World Heritage Sites. Here there are no side extensions, no two-storey rear extensions, no cladding and no loft extensions. See conservation areas.
- Article 4 directions. A council can remove named rights in a set area, so that work needs an application. See Article 4 directions.
- Conditions on an earlier permission. The permission for the house, or a later one, can remove the rights.
Earlier extensions count towards the limits. Depths and widths are measured from the original house: as built, or as it stood on 1 July 1948 if older.
The main classes for houses
| Project | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Extensions | Extensions and alterations: rear, side, two-storey, conservatories, windows and doors |
| Loft additions | Roof additions such as dormers: loft conversions |
| Roof alterations | Other roof alterations, such as rooflights |
| Porches | Porches up to 3 square metres and 3m high |
| Outbuildings | Garden rooms, sheds and other outbuildings |
| Hard surfaces | Hard surfaces, including driveways |
| Chimneys and flues | Chimneys, flues and soil and vent pipes |
| Satellite dishes | Satellite dishes and other microwave antennas |
| Gates, fences and walls | Gates, fences and walls: 1m next to a road used by vehicles, 2m elsewhere |
| Solar panels | Solar panels on the house or an outbuilding |
A project has to meet every set of rules it touches. A rear extension whose roof joins the main roof must meet the extension rules and the roof rules.
Prior approval for larger rear extensions
A single-storey rear extension can go to 6m on a terrace or semi, or 8m on a detached house, through prior approval. It is not available on protected land or a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
You send the council a description, a plan and the neighbours’ addresses. The council writes to the adjoining neighbours, who get at least 21 days to comment. If one objects, the council considers the effect on their amenity. Work can start once the council says approval is not needed, gives approval, or 42 days pass without a decision.
Lawful development certificates
A certificate from the council confirms that proposed work would be lawful, and it holds unless the facts change before you start. It is optional. See lawful development certificates.
Source: The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, Schedule 2, legislation.gov.uk; Permitted development rights for householders, technical guidance, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Common questions
What can you build without planning permission?
Houses in England have permitted development rights for set types of work within fixed limits, including small extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, porches, driveways and solar panels. Flats and maisonettes do not have these rights, and they are reduced on protected land and where an Article 4 direction applies.
Are there any changes to permitted development rights in 2026?
Yes. The solar panel rules changed on 27 August 2026, with new limits for walls, flat roofs and plug-in panels. Solar work allowed under the old rules can still go ahead until the end of 26 August 2027. The rules for electric vehicle charging points changed on 21 October 2026: a wall-mounted charger or charging post can now go elsewhere within the grounds of a house, not only in an off-street parking area. Limits apply, including a height of 1.6m, and the wider right does not apply in a conservation area or within the grounds of a listed building. Charging point work allowed under the old rules can still go ahead until the end of 20 October 2027.
Is it illegal to build without planning permission?
In England, building without the permission you need is a breach of planning control, not in itself a criminal offence. The council can take enforcement action, and failing to comply with an enforcement notice is an offence. Demolishing a building in a conservation area without permission is an offence.
Are floor plans public record?
Plans and drawings sent with a planning application go on the council's planning register, which the public can inspect. The council must also publish the application on its website. Plans of a house that was never part of an application are not on the register.
How can I check the status of a planning application?
Search the council's planning register by address or application reference. It lists applications waiting for a decision and those decided, with the decision, its date and any conditions.