Your feedback matters
Want to learn everything about Webflow? Download our free eBook today.
.svg){kind=small}
Do I need planning permission to add a first-floor extension onto an existing ground floor extension?
Adding a storey on top of an extension will always require an application for planning permission.
If you want to add a storey on top of your house under permitted development rights, it must be on the principal part of the house.
If you want to add an additional storey on top of your house, it can be permitted development. It is only permitted development if it follows certain rules:
The current house
- Is not a building containing one or more flats, or a flat contained within such a building
- Was constructed between 1 July 1948 and 28 October 2018
- Has not already had additional storeys added to it
- Is not on Article 2(3) land or a site of special scientific interest
- Was not changed to be used as a house (from a previous non-residential use) under permitted development rights.
How many storeys can you add?
- If the house is one storey then one storey can be added
- If the house is two or more storeys then two storeys can be added
Where can the storeys be added?
- The additional storeys must be added to the principal part of the house. The principal part of the house is the main part of the house excluding any front, side or rear extension of a lower height (regardless of these being part of the original house or subsequent additions).
- Engineering operations must only include works within the existing curtilage of the house to strengthen existing walls and foundations
How high can it be?
- The house cannot exceed 18 metres in total height
- Each storey cannot add more than 3.5 metres to the total height
- If the house is not detached the total height cannot be more than 3.5 metres higher than the next highest building that the house is attached to, adjoins, or is in the same row as.
- The additional storeys must have an internal floor-to-ceiling height of no more than 3 metres, and no greater than the internal height of any existing storey within the principal part of the house.
What materials can be used?
The materials used must be of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the exterior of the current house
Where can windows be placed?
Windows must not be placed in any wall or roof slope forming a side elevation of the house.
Following completion of development:
- The house must remain in use as a domestic residential property
- No visible support structures must remain on or attached to the exterior of the house
- The roof pitch of the principal part of the house must be the same as it was prior to the development.
If any of the limits set out above are exceeded then an application for planning permission will be required. If you are unsure, you should contact your local planning authority.
Common Questions
Changing a standard garage door to an electric garage door will not normally require planning permission. Instead, they are covered by permitted development rights.
Permission may be required if your property is listed, you live in a conservation area or there will be a visual impact on the appearance of the house as viewed from the street. If you are unsure, it is advised that you contact your local planning authority.
Work to install an electric garage door must comply with Part P of the building regulations. This can be done by using an electrician who is registered with the competent person scheme.
Visit the website for registered electrical competent persons.
If you're doing electrical installation work in your home or garden in England or Wales, you must follow the building regulations. It's recommended to hire an installer who is registered with a competent person scheme (a registered competent person’) who can self-certify that the work meets the required standards.
When you, or an agent acting on your behalf, have submitted a planning application, the local authority will firstly check the application to check if it’s complete. This validation process allows the authority to ensure everything that is required to decide an application has been received and provided correctly. They will contact you if they require any further information from you.
After the application has been validated, the determination process begins and takes up to 8 weeks for smaller applications, or up to 13 weeks for larger applications. The authority should be able to give you an idea about the likely timetable. The local authority will contact you with their decision.
Read more about the decision-making process for planning applications.
Adding a personal or commercial glamping pod will often require planning permission due to the size and permanence of the structure.
For personal use, whether you require planning permission depends on the size of the structure. If it’s placed in your garden, then it may be classed as an outbuilding and fall under permitted development rights. This only applies if it is not treated as a new living space which many glamping pods will be. Full details on outbuildings are available on our common project pages.
For commercial use, planning permission will be needed for the addition, where relevant this will also cover the change of use. An application should include any utilities connections or access roads that will be added alongside the pod.
Due to the complex nature of installing a glamping pod, we’d recommend talking to your local planning authority or our Planning Guidance Service.
Yes, under permitted development, a new dormer must not be higher than the existing highest part of the roof. It should also have materials that are in similar appearance to the existing roof. Additional limits apply in conservation areas and on listed buildings. Read about planning permission for loft conversions on Planning Portal
Ask another question
