Construction Archives - Pinnacle Works Sussex

Common Reasons Building Extensions Fall Foul of Regulations

Jun 11, 2025 | Construction

Building extensions are among the most popular home renovation projects. They give you the capacity to increase your living space, create a new bedroom, or boost the size of your home without the stress, cost and upheaval of a relocation.

As with any major building work, it’s vital you consult an experienced, trusted contractor who can offer input, advice, and recommendations and ensure you have clarity about whether your planned extension falls under permitted development rules or requires planning permission.

In addition, any extension needs to fully comply with building regulations, a separate set of rules and specifications commonly overlooked. Planning consent and building regulations are two very different considerations, and non-compliance is one of the frequent reasons homeowners find themselves in a difficult and costly position!

Understanding How Building Regulations Apply to Building Extension Projects

Anyone undertaking a house extension project, whether a professional building contractor or a homeowner, is legally obliged to abide by and ensure their work meets building regulations.

Those rules apply to any extension, from small side extensions to make use of dead space, compact ground floor extensions and rear extensions into the garden, and larger extensions of more than one storey. Some minor house extensions may be exempt, but this is limited to very small projects, such as:

A porch or conservatory
Constructing a carport
Adding a small extension, such as a garage, which won’t include a bedroom

Pinnacle Works often speaks with clients who are unaware of the distinction between building controls and planning permission. Still, the former is all about verifying that the construction adheres to varied rules around health and safety, structural integrity, fire access, energy efficiency and accessibility.

In short, a home extension that falls under permitted development rights but has been poorly constructed, includes materials that pose a safety or fire hazard, or isn’t stable and is at risk of collapse will be in clear breach of building regulations, regardless of whether planning consent was required.

How Does the Building Regulations Approval Process Work for Building Extensions?

The best advice is to consult an accomplished contractor who is well-versed in building regulations and will manage compliance and certification as part of the project management of your extension build.

As specialists with years of expertise creating tailored extensions for clients, we can project manage your home extension project end-to-end and certify that your new space is adherent, ensuring you have the documentation that may be vital if you come to sell in the future.

Depending on the scale and time frames associated with your house extension, the alternatives might be to hire an independent approved inspector or to apply for approval through the relevant local planning authority and building control department.

This process can be complex, as you’ll typically need to submit full technical plans before construction begins and facilitate periodic inspection as the construction proceeds, with a final inspection once the extension is finished.

You must have building regulation approval, whichever route you choose, and it is strongly advisable to ensure you have factored this into your extension plans from day one. That is because, while retrospective inspections are sometimes possible, they normally involve removing surface materials, especially ceilings and walls, to inspect the construction underneath.

If a building inspector refuses to certify a DIY extension, the repercussions can be serious. In the worst-case scenario, the inspector may order the entire structure to be demolished or instruct the homeowner to submit new technical plans for approval before remedial work can begin to correct non-compliant issues.

Which Building Regulations Does a House Extension Need to Comply With?

Building regulations cover a vast range of areas, so the exact rules and specifications will vary between each home improvement project, depending on, for instance, whether you’re building a single-storey extension, a double-height living space or an extension with or without a kitchen or bathroom.

In summary, building regulations relevant to most extensions include:

Roofing: Extension roofs of all kinds, including flat roofs or roof extensions to existing properties, must always be weatherproof, insulated, ventilated, and structurally sound.
Walls: Building regulations apply to internal and external walls and walls with a cavity or solid structure. Walls must be damp-proof, meet minimum thermal efficiency standards, and be structurally stable and weather-resistant.
Doors and Windows: Any form of glazing, external and internal doors, or roof lights must meet the building control standards, which consider the lintels supporting new windows and the energy conservation of the glazing type.
Electrics: The electrical work involved in building an extension must be completed by a tradesperson with appropriate qualifications, registration and experience and with the authority to self-certify their work or evidence of competency to share with a building control inspector.
Drainage: An often overlooked aspect of the UK building regulations, drainage covers the way home extensions are built to account for surface and waste water drainage. Regulations apply to the guttering and pipes or soakaways required to manage surface water drainage, and approval is required from the local water authority if an extension is within three metres of public drainage infrastructure.
Ventilation: Extensions that include a bathroom or kitchen must comply with regulations regarding sufficient ventilation and natural light.

Of course, this is a brief list of the primary regulations that homeowners need to be conscious of when designing an extension. However, it should give you an indication of the breadth of the rules that either your contractor needs to comply with or that a building inspector will need to check.

What Happens if I Build a House Extension Without Building Regulations Approval?

We touched on the issues around non-compliance earlier, and completing a DIY house extension without referring to the regulations, arranging inspections or applying for approval from the local authority is never a risk worth taking.

Extensions built without evidence of regulatory compliance might be retrospectively approved, but this often multiplies the cost of the new extension. This is due to the additional work associated with resurfacing areas where materials have been removed to allow an inspector to check the stability of the structure underneath.

However, outcomes can also involve fines, orders to demolish or rebuild the structure, and difficulties selling a home with an unapproved extension.

As always, if you’re planning an extension, want to ensure this adds maximum value to your home, or need advice from an experienced extension contractor, you are welcome to contact the Pinnacle Works team anytime.

Why a Professional Loft Conversion Company Can Ensure You Extract Maximum Benefits From a New Habitable Storey

Apr 29, 2025 | Construction

Creating a loft conversion is a great way to expand your home and space without the stress and cost of moving and without needing to consider relocating if you love your property and its location but need an extra bedroom, more storage, or additional room for a growing family.

The challenge of attic conversions for many homeowners is the sheer number of potential choices, from simple dormer window conversions to full mansard reconstruction projects, and we’d always suggest you speak to a professional loft conversion company as step one.

That’s because making assumptions during the initial planning phase could be a mistake. Our specialists can share ideas, inspiration, and examples and ensure you’re making informed decisions not only about the right loft conversion for your budget but also about transforming the space in a way that adds real value.

The Biggest Mistakes in Loft Conversion Projects

Let’s start by recapping a few common errors, all of which you can avoid by collaborating with an expert who will guide you through, from the planning phases where you can visualise how the finished work will look, through to the final decorative touches:

Making assumptions about the suitability of the roof structure and ability of the upper storey to bear weight or trying to fit multiple rooms into a compact loft. This typically means that, regardless of the quality of the finishes, the new attic space won’t be usable as you’d hoped or could even create structural issues that cost a considerable amount to fix.
Moving ahead without checking if you need planning permission. This might depend on the nature and scale of the work, but if you assume your conversion falls under permitted development and it doesn’t, you could be dealing with a complex and stressful retrospective application.
Picking a staircase position or design that doesn’t work. It might seem a good idea to opt for a pull-down ladder or a tiny set of steps, but in reality, the wrong staircase or stairs in the wrong location can significantly impact how you access and use your new storey.

Planning a loft conversion isn’t only about aesthetics, floor space, and height. It’s also essential to look at lighting, ventilation, and windows, especially if one or more windows are south-facing. Attics can get very hot and stuffy in the summer and considering these aspects from day one will ensure the room isn’t over-insulated but remains energy efficient and pleasant to use.

Designing Smart, Space-Saving Solutions for Loft Conversions

Onto the design phase, and there are literally countless ways to make the absolute best use of your loft space, whether you’d love one more bedroom, need a quiet home office, or want to transform your attic from a dark, unloved place where you store suitcases into a functional part of your property.

However, your belongings need to go somewhere, and thinking through the practicalities means you’ll have plenty of time to make decisions, with options to create deeper or angled storage units that slot into the shape of the attic with ease – and mean you’re not left with a beautiful new space but without room for your belongings.

The Pinnacle Works team has years of experience designing and finishing loft conversions. Our role is to help you work through all of these elements before we start drawing up more detailed plans about where your windows will go, the materials you’d like to use, and the finer aspects, such as colour schemes and décor.

It’s best to have clarity about what you want from your loft conversion, because that could influence all of the recommendations we make – especially if you’re keen on adding a bedroom, since this must comply with several requirements to ‘count’.

For example, a converted attic bedroom must have a minimum head height of 2.2 metres, adequate insulation, fire-resistant doors, and a proper, functional staircase to be legally considered one.

How Expert Loft Conversion Contractors Can Help Add Value and Save Money

Like any home improvement project, you’ll need a budget to ensure you make smart decisions throughout that safeguard against spending more than you can afford or are comfortable with. It’s also a great opportunity to discuss what you can achieve within that budget and to look at the options that will make a marked difference to the value of your home.

Here are a few of the many benefits of consulting a trusted, reputable loft conversion provider:

Using your space as efficiently as possible, ensuring your finished conversion makes a tangible impact on your property value, and provides a useful extra storey that can be used as a living space, home office, or bedroom.
Reducing unnecessary costs, with advice around planning consent and building regulations, efficient and lower-cost materials, negotiating with suppliers and sourcing on your behalf, and completing the work in-house without the potential for error.
Optimising the design of your attic conversion, with expertise about what works and what doesn’t, the layouts and window placements that will be most effective and providing independent advice if you’re stuck between two or more options.

Most homeowners see the market value of their properties increase by around 20% following a loft conversion, but that’s dependent on excellent design, aesthetics and an energy-efficient space that will appeal to buyers – even if you’re not looking to sell at this point in time!

Choosing the Right Loft Conversion Approach for Your Property

Finally, we always recommend speaking with a knowledgeable team before you make any big decisions, including those around the structure of the loft conversion. A straightforward conversion where you install a Velux roof light might require the lowest budget, but this won’t deliver extra headroom and isn’t ideal if you’d hoped to create a new bedroom.

Dormer loft conversions are the next simplest solution, adding an additional dormer that invites more natural light in and addresses issues around space. However, a hip-to-gable construction may be ideal, and creates lots of additional space.

Likewise, you might be planning a larger, full-size mansard loft conversion. Still, if this is above budget or there are complications that mean you’d be unlikely to receive planning permission, this may not be a viable option. In that case, we can run through other alternatives and ensure you’re happy that the finished work will meet your expectations.

As always, if you’d like more information, need help planning your loft conversion, or want to see examples of similar conversions in the local area, you are welcome to get in touch with the Pinnacle Works team.

Designing a Front House Extension for Extended Living Space and Improved Curb Appeal

Feb 15, 2025 | Construction

Building out towards the front of your home can be a fantastic solution if you’re keen to transform your property, augment its value, boost your curb appeal, or give the frontage and façade a real facelift—especially if you don’t have any options to extend to the rear or side of your house.

Many homeowners prioritise outdoor space and might be reluctant to sacrifice some of the garden to accommodate an extension, but they equally may need a larger area for a growing family or want to replace a tired, unused frontage with more usable living space.

Today, the Pinnacle Works extension specialists share some tips and advice for planning a front house extension, from the planning permission considerations to keep in mind to the importance of excellent architectural design and finishes that will perfectly match your vision.

Planning Permission Rules and Regulations for a House Extension Project to the Front of Your Home

The first area to cover is planning permission because although it is correct that a larger proportion of front extensions will require a full planning application, there are also plenty of misconceptions about the costs and time involved in achieving consent and the scenarios in which this is required.

Although rules vary between local authorities and councils, the norm is for there to be two primary categories:

Permitted development extensions: These house renovations can be made without full approval from the local planning authority. However, limitations and restrictions on the size of the extension will apply, and permitted development rights aren’t always guaranteed.
Planning permission-approved extensions: These extensions do need approval, and understanding the rules and regulations in your area will give you a far better chance of navigating the process without unnecessary delays or stress.

The biggest misunderstanding is the perception that every front extension requires planning consent. This isn’t true, and it arises from the rules that mean an extension that ‘fronts the road’ will need approval.

Most front extension projects make use of unused space, so provided there remains a driveway, parking area, garage or garden between the public highway and your home, permitted development might apapply—ereas a property or extension that reaches right up to the road or pavement will need approval.

Likewise, if your extension remains a single-storey building, doesn’t cover more than half of the width of the original or existing building, and doesn’t extend past the boundary of the current structure by more than three metres, you could potentially proceed without any planning permission whatsoever.

Benefits of Considering a Front Extension

Even if planning permission is mandatory, it’s important to clarify that this needn’t be a big hurdle to achieving the extension you have dreamed of. Local variances aside, the standard cost of a householder application is about £200. The key is to work with an experienced contractor to ensure you understand the rules and regulations and submit a full, detailed application with all the supporting information and diagrams a planning committee would need to offer approval.

Otherwise, there are several advantages to extending towards the front of your house. They include:

Protecting the full size of your back garden or overcoming access limitations that would make a rear extension prohibitively costly or complex.
Refreshing the curb appeal and appearance of a tired, dated or poor-condition frontage—while often adding considerable value to your property.
Convenience and speed, with a project to extend the front of your home, are often more straightforward and cost-efficient given the reduced impact on existing living spaces or disruption with contractors moving back and forth from your front entrance to the rear of the property.

An extension is also a great opportunity to renovate the entirety of your frontage, whether you’d love to render over dull brickwork, develop a contemporary aesthetic with double-height glass and lighting fixtures, or build a full-size two-storey extension to add extra bedrooms, bathrooms and living space to your home on both floors.

Thinking About the Materials, Look and Finish of a Front House Extension

Returning to planning permission, and if you’re hoping to extend towards the front of your home through the permitted development rules, there are a few conditions you need to be aware of. These include:

The need to use materials that have a similar appearance to those used in the existing house.
Restrictions on any additional structures, including balconies, raised platforms and verandas.
Rules that state that side-facing windows in the extension have to be obscured and have an opening over 1.7 metres from the floor.

Aside from these rules, which may be irrelevant if you are expecting to proceed with a planning permission application, you have design freedom and can share your ideas and inspiration with the Pinnacle Works team to chat about the best ways to turn them into reality.

While homeowners often consider front extensions designed in sympathy with the rest of the property, this isn’t a set-in-stone rule. You could go for contrasting materials like stone and glass, timbers and brickwork, or revitalise an older property with a hyper-modern, sleek front extension, for example.

It’s also worth considering the neighbourhood and proximity of other homes to ensure the extension doesn’t have the potential to infringe on privacy or alter the character and ambience of your street—but, in some areas, there is already an eclectic and diverse selection of architectural styles.

Practical Aspects of Designing a Front Extension for Your Property

The practicalities are always relevant, regardless of the age and style of your home and whether or not you anticipate applying for or requiring planning permission.

For instance, you might need to maintain some aspects of your frontage for storage, parking, or bikes, or focus on ventilation to ensure your windows are orientated in the perfect position to flood your extension with natural light.

This is where the Pinnacle Works experts can step in, assessing the current layout, availability of land to build upon, and how best to position windows, access routes, doors, and boundaries to achieve the front extension you have in mind, while ensuring your newly extended home is fully suited to you and your family’s needs.

Project-Managing a Semi-Detached House Extension Within Permitted Development Rules

Dec 2, 2024 | Construction

Building an extension can be a fantastic way to add extra space and augment the appeal and value of a semi-detached home. Numerous homeowners have unused and unloved side returns that present a perfect opportunity to extend.

For many of the clients we speak with, planning permission is a concern—not because there is any particular reason to doubt that a planned extension would be approved, but because of the time, red tape and costs involved.

The good news is that a well-managed extension designed and constructed in accordance with permitted development rules may not need any formal consent, although compliance with building regulations remains crucial, and Pinnacle Works can certainly assist with this.

How Do Permitted Development Rules Apply to Semi-Detached Homes?

It’s always worth speaking with an experienced building firm since the permitted development rules can be complex and are often technically worded. This makes it more likely that some homeowners will assume they can proceed without realising that their extension plans breach the restrictions—such as being over the maximum height.

The thresholds for completing an extension under permitted development will also depend on whether you’d like to extend to the side, rear, or front of your home and whether the completed extension will incorporate one or two storeys.

While not an exhaustive list, the below summary gives you a good indication as to the maximum extension sizes for a semi-detached home:

Up to half of the original land included in the deeds can be converted into buildings or extensions, which includes outbuildings such as sheds.
Permitted development does not apply to any property extension work that involves building forward from the front of the main house.
Side return extensions can be up to four metres in height and cannot be any more than half the width of the original house.
If the semi-detached extension reaches within two metres of the boundary, the maximum height reduces to three metres.
Single-storey extensions cannot extend past the original back wall by more than three metres without consent, with a maximum extension height of four metres in all scenarios.
Two-storey extensions are allowed under permitted development rules as long as they don’t reach more than three metres beyond the original rear wall, get within seven metres of any boundary, and have a roof pitch that is consistent with the existing house.

Additional rules apply: Windows added to a side extension should be non-opening and obscured for privacy unless the window is over 1.7 metres from the floor. Building materials should be as close as those used within the existing home, and any installation of a balcony or veranda is not permitted.

When a Planning Permission-Approved Semi-Detached House Extension May Be Preferable

The outline of the permitted development rights above showcases how it is perfectly possible to construct a bespoke extension to expand your semi-detached home without needing to go through a planning application process.

However, there are circumstances where you might decide that, to achieve your dream home, you would be better off seeking consent or find that the nature of your home means that permitted development rules don’t apply.

Properties in a conservation area and those with historical listing status always require full planning permission. The likelihood of approval will depend on myriad factors, such as the impact of the extension on the aesthetic appearance of the home and whether this can be designed in sympathy with the character and style of the existing dwelling.

Other homeowners want to transform the size and usage of their property and wouldn’t be satisfied with the size limitations imposed by the permitted development criteria. This can mean that planning permission is worth applying for to ensure your extension fulfils all your objectives.

If you’d like to visualise what a semi-detached extension might look like either way, you are welcome to contact the Pinnacle Works team. We can mock up a digital representation of your planned extension or show you previous projects of a similar size to give you a better idea of which options are best suited to you.

The Importance of Building Regulations Compliance When Extending Your Home

Regardless of whether you opt for a semi-detached extension under permitted development rules or go for a more significant build and require consent, the work on your property must be compliant with the UK building regulations—a set of legal requirements that ensure structures are safe and built to the necessary standards.

For example, the regulations cover areas like fire protection and evacuation, energy efficiency, and gas safety, designed to ensure that every new home or modification is suitable for habitation and has the necessary structural integrity.

The easiest way for homeowners to be satisfied that their extension is 100% compliant is to work with a reputable, established contractor. We can verify compliance and provide certifications that confirm the extension has been assessed and properly constructed. Retaining that certificate is important, especially if you ever intend to sell your home.

Obtaining a Lawful Development Certificate for Your Extension

It might be worthwhile applying for a document called a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC), which attests that the extension was allowed under permitted development rules and did not require planning consent from the local authority.

There is a fee for an LDC, and you’ll need to submit plans and drawings explaining why you think the extension is compliant, but this offers the peace of mind that you have official documentation confirming that your extension is lawful.

Finally, we can also consult with homeowners who want to extend their semi-detached home with the work expected to impact a shared wall with a neighbour. In this case, the Party Wall Act 1996 applies, and although the process is typically straightforward, you’ll need to ensure your neighbour has no objections before we start work.

Should you need further information about anything discussed in this guide, from planning permission to permitted development, obtaining a party wall agreement, or adhering to building regulations, you can contact the knowledgeable extension team at Pinnacle Works to arrange a good time to talk.

Contrasting the Costs and Benefits of a Commercial Renovation Project Compared to a New-Build Construction

Oct 15, 2024 | Construction

When your business has outgrown its current premises, you have an opportunity to expand or require a more efficient layout or trading space to meet your changing needs. There are two main options: renovating and remodelling the site where you currently operate from or moving elsewhere.

For most companies, a self-build is far more attractive than purchasing another empty building, partly due to the added time and expense of purchasing and then adapting an existing structure, but also because if you’ve reached a scale where you need a custom-designed premise, a self-build is a more efficient way of designing exactly the site you need.

We often speak with business property owners who are unsure whether improving their current premise is viable, cost-effective and even possible, or whether starting work on a purpose-made premise would be more advisable—and the right solution, as always, is down to your business, priorities and budget.

The Pros and Cons of Constructing New Commercial Premises

There is little doubt that constructing a business premise from the ground up can be a massive opportunity to design and commission a building specifically created for your business, whether you have an industrial enterprise and need custom foundations and flooring, want a beautiful retail space, or would like an eco-friendly set of offices.

Although many assume that a custom build is expensive, the reality is that it is commonly far more budget-friendly than buying an existing premise with an unsuitable layout and embarking on a full-scale renovation—which you might have been able to achieve without the upheaval of relocating.

However, the benefits of building a bespoke commercial site extend beyond pricing alone. They include:

Complete design freedom, with the knowledge of how your business works, the varied spaces you require, how teams and functions collaborate, and where to position different departments, units or teams to optimise productivity.
The avoidance of any challenges, which in commercial buildings might include asbestos, poor-quality insulation, roofing or glazing that isn’t efficient or watertight, or finding that substandard parking, loading facilities, or access for delivery or fleet vehicles poses a real issue.
Opportunities to design a made-to-measure premise that utilises the latest in durable, sustainable materials. Older commercial builds typically fall far below the quality, longevity and suitability of modern eco-friendly alternatives, where great insulation and energy efficiency might mean your new commercial space has minimal running costs and overheads.

The drawbacks primarily relate to time and cost. Most businesses need to work out whether they can access financing to complete a construction project while simultaneously trading from their existing premises or need to stop operating for a time until the new site is ready to move into.

However, for companies with specific and niche requirements, the advantages of a custom build may outweigh the temporary disruption, especially if there is no other viable way to create a premise that would remain fit for purpose for years to come.

The Advantages and Possible Pitfalls of a Commercial Renovation Project

The alternative is to renovate, remodel, or reconfigure your existing commercial space. The biggest positive aspect of this option is that renovation works, however complex, often take much less time than a full new build, which might make a real impact on revenues and your ability to keep trading.

Of course, there may be compromises, but as an experienced commercial building firm, we can often discuss a schedule of works to try and fit this around your requirements or focus on certain aspects of the renovation first, where some teams or functions can continue to work as normal.

There are countless ways to retrofit new fixtures and features to existing properties, construct additional floors, spaces, and areas, from modular offices to mezzanine levels, accommodate a growing workforce quickly, or redesign manufacturing areas to optimise the flow of materials or products through your processes.

That said, you may need to consider any building features that cannot be moved or changed, such as structural columns. In this case, an architect or engineer may need to step in to advise on potential solutions or recommend the best ways to achieve the layout you need without major modifications.

Done correctly, remodelling your business premise could mean you spend far less time and money achieving the site you require, add to the market value of your commercial property, improve energy efficiency, lower heating and running costs, and adapt the space to your needs without needing to relocate.

Picking the Right Commercial Renovation or Construction Approach for Your Company

There is never one correct answer because so much depends on your priorities, but working through cost comparisons, the length of time each route is likely to take, and what that means for your company in terms of financing, trading hours and continuity for your customers is worthwhile.

Renovations can also depend heavily on the condition and age of your current premises. A modern unit can be quite easily modified or remodelled, whereas older buildings might need more extensive repairs and modifications to ensure they remain stable and safe.

Our advice is to avoid rushing into any decisions without clarifying how every option compares and to take the time needed to think about your core deliverables, whether you want a larger, more efficient trading space as quickly as possible or need premises that are custom-made for your business and will remain fit for purpose for as many years as possible.

In short, the more specific and custom your needs, the more likely a commercial build will be the way to go, whereas the more value you place on speed and cost certainty, the more attractive a renovation project may look.

For more detailed and bespoke guidance about the best options for your business and premises, you are welcome to contact the commercial renovations and construction teams at Pinnacle Works to arrange a good time to talk.

We can run through your current problems with your existing trading premise, chat about the potential ways forward you are considering, and provide independent expertise to help you make an informed decision.

All You Need to Know About Building Extension Planning Permission Rules

Jun 18, 2024 | Construction

Building an extension, whether a smaller one-storey rear extension that isn’t visible from the front of your home to a major two-storey wrap-around extension or loft conversion that transforms the roof line of your property, can add significant value, and transform the space and accommodation within your home.

Planning permission is often misunderstood, where homeowners assume that the planning permission process is complex, costly, and difficult, and they forgo their dream designs or extension plans solely to ensure the extension work falls under permitted development rights.

However, the best way forward is to clarify where you will need formal written consent from the local authority, analyse the potential costs of that approval, and ensure you work with an experienced, reputable and talented extension team to ensure the result is everything you have aspired to.

How Does Planning Permission Work With Home Extensions

In most cases, planning consent is a mandatory requirement if the extension you wish to build will make a substantial change to the outward appearance of your property, such as the proximity to a rear boundary, the degree to which your home overlooks your neighbours or the appetence of the structure from the road.

That said, we often speak with homeowners who assume planning permission is extremely costly and will almost always mean they cannot proceed with their perfect extension, which isn’t the case. Provided you have comprehensive technical plans and designs and can fully comply with local council planning rules, even the most impressive extension can obtain official permission.

As a brief and general overview:

- Larger extensions require consent, but you can reduce the requirements or likelihood of being turned down by using energy-efficient, sustainable, and locally sourced materials that match the current exterior of your home.
- If your extension is large, but you’re keeping the new roofline lower or consistent with your current roof height, you may be less likely to need consent.
- Where permitted development applies, and you don’t need consent, you might also need to consider Party Wall agreements and building regulations – meaning that falling within permitted development doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t need alternative approvals or agreements to proceed.

Planning applications for extensions usually fall under the ‘householder planning permission‘ category rather than needing full planning permission. Most homeowners pay a total charge of £328. If there are no contentions or challenges, then aside from the cost of the initial planning and technical designs, you won’t need to budget a significant amount to gain approval.

Which Home Extensions Require Formal Planning Consent?

While planning permission is often much more streamlined and less disruptive than our clients anticipate, we also recognise that many would prefer to stick within the permitted development rules and forgo any need to apply for official permission to proceed with their planned extension.

Below, we’ve summarised the most popular forms of extension and the limitations within which you can build without consent. It’s important to clarify that caveats apply, and the standard planning rules aren’t always consistent in specific areas.

For example, if your home falls into one of the below categories, you may require consent for any planned extension works, even if the project is relatively minor or won’t make any significant difference to the external aesthetic of your property:

- Properties within UNESCO World Heritage Sures
- Homes located inside the boundaries of National Parks
- Buildings in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Houses within conservation areas or with Grade I or II listed status.

If any of these conditions apply, we recommend speaking with the local authority responsible for granting building work within certain limits or reviewing how the rules apply to a listed building.

What Extension Projects Are Included in Permitted Development Rights?

Permitted development means that, as a homeowner, you can complete work, improvements, or extension builds on your property without requiring any form of official permission or consent from the local council.

However, it’s also worth reiterating that planning permission isn’t the only potential regulation you’ll need to consider. Planning consent is required where modifications to a property could potentially impact the way the building affects the local environment, whether the appearance of an area or how other properties are overlooked or affected by construction close to a boundary.

Building regulations are separate and mandatory rules that ensure any work completed in your home, whether or not it is considered an approved development or falls under permitted development rights, is safe, constructed to industry standards, and complies with health and safety regulations.

Therefore, any house extension, small or large, should be completed by experienced contractors who can self-certify that their work adheres to building regulation standards or provide the necessary documentation to certify that your extension is fully compliant.

How Can I Build a Single-Storey Extension Without Planning Permission?

Single-story extensions can be planned up to a height of four metres and within four metres of the back wall of the existing property without needing planning consent. Excluding conservatories, the materials you use in your build should match the appearance of your existing house without extending toward a main road via the front or side of your home.

Which Double Storey Extensions Require Planning Consent?

Larger extensions that reach up to the first floor of your home will not usually require planning consent, provided that:

- The extension doesn’t read three metres beyond the current rear wall of your home.
- The roof pitch matches the property as it is or is very close to the current design and height.
- Your new extension will not have a roof life that hits three metres or more.
- The extension will be built with materials that appear close to the aesthetic of the original property.
- There are at least seven metres between the rear boundary of your home and the end of the extension.
- Any side elevations with a window are obscure glazed and do not open.

Importantly, any elevated platforms, like a balcony, veranda, or other structure, may require planning permission—even if the broader scope and design of your extension are allowed under permitted development.

As we’ve seen, most planning permission rules linked to extensions relate to the height of the build, the proximity to the boundary, and the distance between the new roof line and any existing edge of your property.

That said, planning permission isn’t always particularly involved or complex, and an experienced contractor can provide support in the form of technical drawings and construction plans that meet all of the local authority’s requirements to grant full consent.

If you’d like more information about building extension planning permission, permitted development, and building regulations, you are very welcome to contact the experts at Pinnacle Works for more tailored guidance.

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