Can I Extend My House in the Green Belt? Understanding Planning in the Green Belt

Introduction to Green Belt Regulations

Living in a beautiful green belt area brings numerous perks, including scenic views and a peaceful environment. However, these benefits come with their own set of challenges when it comes to home improvements. Many homeowners wonder, can I extend my house in the green belt? The answer might be more positive than you think, but it is important to use the right planning strategy to achieve your goals.

What Are Green Belt Areas?

Green belt areas were established to prevent urban sprawl and protect the countryside from development. They typically surround cities and towns and are intended to provide a clear boundary between urban and rural areas. National and local planning policies are generally more restrictive in Green Belt areas, where the building of new buildings are often refused.

Additional restrictions also apply for extending your home in the Green Belt, but it can be possible to extend your home under some circumstances.

Understanding Planning Policies for Extensions

When considering whether to extend your house in the green belt, it is essential to review the specific planning guidelines set by your local authority. These policies will be contained within your Councils Local Plan.

National planning policy says that extensions and alterations to homes in the Green Belt must not be disproportionate to the original home. Most local councils interpret this to be a 30% increase in size for the original house, meaning the house as it stood when it was first built or in July 1948. This means that any previous extensions, even if they were built by previous owners, will be taken into account. Extensions of more than 30% in Green Belt areas are regularly refused by Councils up and down the country.

In addition to specific policies on the Green Belt, your extension will need to comply with the other relevant policies of the Local Plan relating to design and appearance. This will likely require the use of appropriate materials, and ensuring that the extension is appropriate for your home and area.

If you want to extend your home in the Green Belt by more than 30%, you may have to get creative with your design or planning strategy.

Green Belt Permitted Development Rights

If you have read some of our other blogs on permitted development rights that can be used to extend your home, you may see these as an exciting opportunity to extend your home in the Green Belt. The good news is that homes in the Green Belt can often use permitted development rights like any other home.

This means that in some circumstances in the Green Belt you can extend a detached home up to 8 metres from the rear wall of your home, or 6 metres from a semi-detached or terraced home. This route requires Prior Approval from your local Council and consultation with your neighbours. Smaller extensions of up to 4 metres for detached homes, and 3 metres for semi-detached and terraced homes are also allowed in some circumstances without prior approval, but care should always be taken to ensure that your works comply with permitted development rights.

In Green Belt areas you can also create loft conversions using permitted development rights to have hip-to-gable loft conversions or rear dormer windows.

The above permitted development rights often mean that in Green Belt areas you can often extend your home by more than 30% by using Permitted Development Rights. This creates the scenario whereby you can use permitted development rights to extend your home in a way which the Council would refuse it if a planning application was submitted.

Many local Councils take a restrictive stance against new outbuildings (such as garages, garden rooms, offices) in Green Belt locations. However, by using permitted development rights you can often build one of these buildings without the Green Belt being an issue.

Thousands of unsuspecting homeowners a year fall foul of permitted development rights when extending and altering their home. The proposed works may not comply with permitted development rights or the rights themselves may have been removed by previous planning conditions or an Article 4 Direction. The stresses and strains can be avoided by securing a Lawful Development Certificate from your Council before beginning work, and we always recommend this approach.

Reducing the impact of your extension

If for whatever reason permitted development rights do not quite work for you, you may need to get creative with your planning strategy.

One example is securing a Certificate of Lawfulness from the Council confirming that extensions and alterations can be made to your home in accordance with the relevant permitted development rights. This will then be used to create a 'fallback' position, which you can use to get your preferred scheme.

Another example is, if you want to build a garage in your front garden, you will need planning permission (see our popular blog for more information on this). But, with many councils taking a restrictive approach to new buildings in the Green Belt, planning permission can often be refused for garages in the front garden of homes in the Green Belt. Permitted development rights can be used to demonstrate that you can build a garage of a certain size in line or behind your home, which can then be an advantage for a future planning application for a garage in your preferred location.

If the permitted development route isn't open to you, you will have to get creative with your designs for larger extensions and alterations. Your proposal will need to ensure that the openness of the Green Belt is retained. This could be achieved by sinking your development into the ground (such as basements) or the use of materials and/or green roofs to blend your proposal into the landscape. This route takes careful consideration.

Working with Cedar Planning

At Cedar Planning, we specialise in navigating the complexities of green belt applications. Our experienced team understands the nuances of planning policies, and we work closely with clients to help them realise their vision while adhering to local regulations. Whether you dream of a larger living space, a home office, or simply want to make your home more enjoyable, we can guide you through the application process.

If you are unsure about how to proceed or need assistance with your application, don't hesitate to contact us today. We are here to help you extend your home thoughtfully and legally within the green belt.