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  • Richard Domenech

What is Permitted Development?

Updated: Jul 11, 2023

What is Permitted Development?


What is Permitted Development?
What is Permitted Development?

Introduction

What is Permitted Development? Introduction to Permitted Development has been around for many decades in the UK and is a term used to describe the allowances made by law for homeowners to make certain renovations to their properties without having to apply for planning permission. These allowances are set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015.


Renovating your home can be a costly and time-consuming process, but it is often necessary to keep your home in good condition and meet your changing needs. Permitted Development can help reduce some of these burdens by allowing homeowners to make certain changes to their properties without the need for planning permission.


In this blog post, we will discuss what Permitted Development is, what types of renovations are allowed under Permitted Development, and the benefits and limitations of this planning route.


What is Permitted Development?

Permitted Development rights allow homeowners to make certain renovations to their properties without having to apply for planning permission. These renovations are considered "permitted" under UK law, meaning you do not need to seek formal permission from your local council to carry them out. However, it's important to note that there are limits to what you can do under Permitted Development.

The limits include the size of the renovation and certain types of properties may not be eligible for Permitted Development rights. For example, if your home is in a conservation area, there may be additional restrictions on what you can do under Permitted Development.


What types of renovations are allowed under Permitted Development?

There are a wide range of renovations that can be carried out under Permitted Development, including adding a single-story extension, converting a garage into living space, and changing the use of a building from commercial to residential.


However, it's important to note that there are limits to what you can do under Permitted Development. For example, the size of the extension must not exceed certain limits, and the renovation must not impact on the local environment or cause disturbance to neighbours.


Benefits and limitations of Permitted Development

One of the main benefits of Permitted Development is that it can be a quicker and cheaper way of making renovations to your property. You don't need to go through the lengthy planning permission process, which can save both time and money. This is especially useful for homeowners who want to make minor changes to their properties, such as adding a small extension or converting a garage.


Another benefit of Permitted Development is that it can give homeowners more control over their properties. You don't have to rely on the local council to approve your plans, which can be a lengthy and frustrating process. With Permitted Development, you can make changes to your home on your terms.


However, there are also some limitations to Permitted Development. For example, if you're planning to sell your property in the future, buyers may be put off by the fact that you carried out the work under Permitted Development. Buyers may feel that the work was carried out without proper oversight, and this could impact on the value of your property.


It's also important to note that Permitted Development is not a free-for-all. There are limits to what you can do under Permitted Development, and if you exceed these limits, you may still need to apply for planning permission.


Conclusion

Permitted Development can be a useful planning route for homeowners looking to make certain renovations to their properties. It can be quicker and cheaper than going through the full planning permission process, and can allow you to make improvements to your property without having to seek formal permission from your local council.


However, it's important to be aware of the limits of Permitted Development, and to seek professional advice if you're unsure about whether your planned renovations fall under Permitted Development rights.


In summary, Permitted Development can be a valuable tool for homeowners looking to make changes to their properties, but it's important to use it responsibly and within the limits set out by the law.

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