New legislation came into effect on 1 October which sets out what development does or does not need planning permission.

The legislation represents a significant change from the current system.  Key changes include

• the need for planning permission is no longer based on calculations of volume
• new arrangements regarding alterations to the roof
• planning permission will be required for new or replacement hard standings in front of the house exceeding 5 square metres unless made of porous materials, or the water can drain to a porous area.  Follow the link below for more information

Under new legislation, whether or not planning permission is needed will be determined largely by

• the dimensions of and ground area covered by the proposed extension/outbuilding
• its position on the house
• its proximity to your boundaries

Where planning permission is not required, development will be subject to the following restrictions

• use of materials similar to the existing dwelling
• any window in an upper floor located in a wall or roof slope of a side elevation shall be obscure glazed and non-opening unless 1.7 metres above the floor level of the room
• if more than one storey, the roof pitch is the same as that of the original dwelling
• verandahs, balconies or raised platforms are not permitted

Additional controls apply if your house is in a conservation area or the Chiltern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Follow the link below to find out more about whether or not planning permission is needed.  In addition, you should check the original planning permission for your house for any conditions restricting what work can be done without planning permission.

Date Updated: 15/10/08