Larger Home Extension Scheme in England: What You Need to Know

Introduction to the Larger Home Extension Scheme

The Larger Home Extension Scheme in England represents a significant initiative designed to assist homeowners in expanding their living space more conveniently. Introduced as an effort to streamline the planning process, the scheme allows homeowners to undertake specific types of extensions without the necessity of obtaining full planning permission, and the allowances are pretty generous at up to 8 metres for detached homes.

What Can Be Built Under the Scheme?

The Larger Home Extension Scheme in England offers homeowners the opportunity to enhance their living space without the need for full planning permission, simplifying the process for potential extensions. Before the introduction of the scheme, homeowners could extend their properties by up to 3 metres for terraced and semi-detached properties, and up to 4 metres for detached properties. These allowances have now been doubled for many properties in England.

Unlike smaller Permitted Development schemes, larger home extensions require the prior approval of your local council. This means that you cannot start work straight away.

As part of the prior approval process, your neighbours will be consulted on your plans, and they will have 28 days to object to them. If no objections are received to your proposal, the Council will not be able to take into account the effects of the proposal on neighbouring properties through for example a loss of light or privacy. This means that many proposals are allowed by Council under this scheme, which would have been refused if a neighbour would have objected to the plans. As such, it is a good idea to consult with your neighbours and get them on your side.

Restrictions and limitations

Unlike smaller extensions, permitted development rights cannot be used for larger home extensions in protected areas such as Conservation Areas or National Landscapes (AONB). However, it does apply to properties in the Green Belt, making it an important tool for savvy homeowners and developers in these locations, as Councils and planners often take a restrictive approach in these areas.

As with other Permitted Development Rights they do not apply to flats, and can be removed by planning conditions and Article (4) directions.

As stated above, extensions are permitted of up to 6 metres for terraced and semi-detached homes and up to 8 metres for detached homes. This is measured from the rear of the 'original home', which will exclude any extensions built at your home, even if they were built by previous owners of the property.

The Larger Home Extension scheme also only permits single storey extensions.

The following restrictions also apply:

• Maximum height of 4 metres, and cannot be higher than the highest point of the existing house;

• The eaves height cannot be higher than the existing house, and 3m if the extension is within 2m of a boundary;

• The size of the extension must cover less than 50% of the original garden area (including the front garden). This takes into account any existing extensions or outbuildings, even if built by a previous homeowner.

• The extension must not extend beyond a side elevation that fronts a highway;

• The extension must not extend beyond the principal elevation (often the front) of the original home.

Conclusions

The Larger Home Extension scheme offers an exciting opportunity for many homeowners and developers across England. It doubles the size of the previous allowances under Permitted Development Rights. However, Prior Approval is required from your Council, and starting work without it could cause you stress and cost you money in the long run.

Under the scheme, Councils are only allowed to take into account the impact on neighbouring properties if a neighbour objects to your plans. Therefore, having them on your side can make a big difference to success.

Cedar Planning are well-placed to guide you through the planning system to help you maximise the size of your home or property portfolio. Contact us today for a free no-obligation quote.