Do I Need Planning Permission For All Home Renovation in London?

The process and approval of planning permission applications take at least eight weeks, meaning around 2 months. If the scheme is complicated or there is any issue in the application process, the approval takes longer. In simple words, homeowners have to wait for 2 or more months to start the renovation process. 

Many homeowners are fine with this wait time but many of them are not comfortable with it. Because of different reasons, they wish to start and complete the home renovation as soon as possible.

We know home renovations without planning permission are illegal. You might face problems in the future. But, fortunately, some home renovations come under permitted development in London, meaning you can proceed without planning permission. The building contractors in London will help you find the permitted developments. 

In this post, we will discuss some common permitted development options. 

You can add a standard loft conversion 

The majority of loft conversions fall under the “permitted development in London”. You don’t need planning permission to add a loft conversion if it’s not higher than the highest part of the roof and similar materials are used. 

If you go beyond the permitted ceiling space, you should apply for planning permission. In some designated areas, you will not be allowed a roof extension. So, you should check the extension requirements and space to apply for planning conversion. 

You can add a single-storey extension 

For building a single-storey extension, you don’t need planning permission but there are several conditions that you have to adhere to. Some of the conditions are the size, height, and roof pitch of the extension. 

The single-storey extension should be built on the side or rear of the home, without extending past the rear wall by 3 meters for an attached property or 4 meters for a detached home. You should use building materials similar to the existing property. Talking about the height, it should be less than 4 meters and 3 meters if the extension is within 2 meters of a boundary. 

You can install a garden room 

People often prefer adding valuable extra space for home offices, gyms, and more. They rarely think about installing a garden room. But, truly speaking, it’s a great way to extend your house and add space to it. You will get an extra room without planning permission. 

Planning permission is not required if the garden room is away from home, takes less than 50% of the garden, and is smaller than 15 square meters. In some cases, 30 square meters are permitted. 

You can build a two-storey rear extension 

Building a two-storey rear extension is permitted development in London but only after adhering strictly to the guidelines defined by the authority. The extension shouldn’t be more than 3 meters beyond the rear wall, should be within 7 meters from the boundary of your plot, directly opposite to that wall. Also, the extension should be less than 4 meters in height. 

If you wish to add a storey to your existing single-storey extension, you should apply for planning permission.  As already said, there are many permitted home renovation options in London. So, you shouldn’t hold yourself back from adding extra space to your home because of the time-taking planning permission process.