What is Permitted Development?

What is Permitted Development? A Guide for Homeowners

Understanding Permitted Development Rights

Permitted Development (PD) allows homeowners to make certain alterations and extensions to their properties without the need for full Planning Permission. These rights are subject to specific limitations and conditions set out by planning authorities.

In essence, minor home improvements, such as small porches, certain types of rooflights, and even some rear extensions, can be carried out under Permitted Development. However, larger structural changes, particularly in designated areas, may still require formal approval.

For comprehensive guidance, the Planning Portal website provides detailed resources. The most helpful document for homeowners is the Technical Guidance on Permitted Development, which outlines key criteria for common alterations.

What Works Under Permitted Development?

1. Single-Storey Rear Extensions

A single-storey rear extension is generally considered Permitted Development if it meets the following criteria:

The total height does not exceed 4 metres.
The eaves are no higher than 2.5 metres.
The materials used are similar to those of the existing property.
The extension does not cover more than 50% of the original land surrounding the house.

In most cases, if your extension falls within these limits, you won’t need Planning Permission.

2. Loft Conversions

A basic loft conversion may also fall under Permitted Development provided:

The additional roof space does not exceed 40 cubic metres for terraced houses and 50 cubic metres for detached or semi-detached homes.
The extension does not extend beyond the plane of the existing roof slope facing the highway.
The conversion does not include balconies, raised platforms, or verandas.
The property is not within a designated area (e.g., Conservation Area, National Park, or a Listed Building).

If your home is within a designated area, stricter rules may apply, and you may require full Planning Permission.

Certificate of Lawful Use – Why You Need One

At Melrose Designs, we always recommend obtaining a Certificate of Lawful Use from your local council for any alterations larger than a porch.

While applying for this certificate takes a similar amount of time as a Planning Permission application, it ensures your project is compliant with PD rules. This certificate can provide legal assurance, preventing future disputes and easing property transactions when selling your home.

Limitations of Permitted Development

Article 4 Direction

Local councils have the authority to remove Permitted Development rights under a regulation known as Article 4 Direction. This means even minor alterations, such as changing windows or demolishing a small boundary wall, may require Planning Permission.

Designated Areas & Listed Buildings

If your home is located within a Conservation Area, National Park, or is a Listed Building, Permitted Development rights are significantly restricted. In some cases, even minor changes require approval to preserve the character of the area.

Conservation Areas: Changes like replacing traditional windows with UPVC may still be allowed unless an Article 4 Direction applies.
Listed Buildings: Any alterations, even within the property’s boundary, require Listed Building Consent.
Flats and Apartments: Permitted Development rights do not apply to flats, as changes to the exterior of the building may impact multiple dwellings.

Need Expert Advice? Contact Melrose Designs

If you’re considering an extension, loft conversion, or other home alterations, our experts at Melrose Designs are here to help. We provide:

Extension Plans in Swinley, Wigan
Architectural Designer Drawings for Planning Permission & Building Regulations
Planning Applications & Building Regulation Drawings for Approval

Want to discuss your ideas? Get in touch today!

Want to talk through your ideas with us and see how we can help? Get in contact today. Melrose Designs.

Extension Plans Swinley, Wigan and Architectural Designer Drawings Drawn, Wigan for Planning Permission and Building Regulations. Planning Applications Submitted for Approval. Building Regulation Drawings and Plans Drawn Up for Building Regulation Approval in Wigan.

The typical image of an architect

The Evolution of Architectural Design – From Drawing Boards to 3D BIM

The Changing Image of an Architect

When you think of an architect, you might picture someone sketching designs at a drawing table, meticulously crafting master plans with pen and ink. While this may have been the norm 20, 30, or even 40 years ago, modern architecture and design have evolved dramatically, embracing advanced digital tools that revolutionise how buildings are planned and constructed.

The Shift from Hand-Drawn Designs to CAD Software

In the past, architects relied on 2D drafting software like AutoCAD to create intricate floor plans, elevations, and detailed sections. While these digital tools improved efficiency, they still required manual updates across multiple views when design changes occurred. This process, although faster than traditional hand-drawing, was still time-intensive and prone to errors.

The Rise of 3D Modelling and BIM Technology

By the mid-1990s, 3D modelling software began transforming the industry. Tools such as Revit, SketchUp, and ArchiCAD allowed architects to create detailed Building Information Models (BIM), significantly improving accuracy, efficiency, and visualisation.

Unlike 2D CAD drawings, BIM integrates all aspects of a design, enabling architects to modify elements like walls, windows, and doors in real-time. These changes automatically update across all relevant drawings, eliminating the need for repetitive manual adjustments and reducing errors.

Why 3D BIM is the Future of Architectural Design

At Melrose Designs, we use 3D BIM workflows to provide high-quality architectural solutions for homeowners in Wigan, St Helens, Warrington, and Liverpool. The benefits of 3D BIM design include:

Greater Accuracy: Digital prototypes ensure precise dimensions and layouts.
Realistic Visualisation: Clients can take virtual tours of their projects before construction begins.
Improved Collaboration: BIM models allow seamless coordination between architects, engineers, and builders.
Faster Design Changes: Updates made to one aspect of the design automatically reflect across the entire project.

Integrating 3D Laser Scanning for Precise Measurements

In addition to BIM, we are integrating 3D laser scanning into our design process. This technology captures precise as-built dimensions, ensuring that every design is accurate and aligns perfectly with existing structures. This eliminates discrepancies often found in traditional measurement surveys and minimises costly errors during construction.

How Our Advanced Design Process Benefits You

Our goal at Melrose Designs is to deliver superior architectural services while simplifying the design process for our clients. By working with 3D BIM and digital workflows, we can:

Reduce project turnaround times
Enhance design accuracy and structural integrity
Provide immersive 3D visualisations to help clients make informed decisions

Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?

If you’re planning a home extension, loft conversion, or renovation project in Wigan, St Helens, Warrington, or Liverpool, our expert team is here to help.

Contact Melrose Designs today to discuss your project and see how our 3D BIM expertise can turn your vision into reality.

What is Permitted Development?