Permitted Development - 60 square feet?

[Jimmy1450]

Hey folks,

Hoping for some advice here - The builder has pointed out a problem to an extension plan we have. The issue arises from the fact that some 15yrs, an extension was built to the back of the property that would perhaps not be permitted now. It is a third reception room which is 20ft long. This extension is right behind the house and comprises of a single floor. It has three exposed walls with the fourth wall backing onto our house.

The issue we have is that that the width of this reception room at the back of the house is only 10ft. We would like to build one wall out (the wall which faces our garden) by 3ft to create a wider reception room. The structure stays exactly the same, just one wall moves into our garden to create the extra width.

As we are not extending any further back, and simply across, we thought this would be permitted development as we are not using up more than 50% of the land around the house with extensions and outhouses.

Can anyon confirm whether the builder is right and this in fact needs planning permission?

Thanks,


Jimmy

 

[jeds]

Yes, your builder is right. Assuming a detached house the limit is 4m from the rear wall of the existing house. If it's more than 4m you will need to apply for planning.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Have a read here : http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/extensions/

Where you'll find this:

Single-storey rear extension must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house* by more than three metres if an attached house or by four metres if a detached house.

with the * meaning:

* The term "original house" means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.

 

[Jimmy1450]

John thanks for the reply. I can confirm the house is detached as you rightly say the extension is more than 4metres.

However given the original extension was done so long ago, I thought any additional extension would be allowed under PD, as we are only going sideways...

Is there a likelihood that our proposal to extend sideways would be rejected for any obvious reasons?

Thanks,


Jimmy

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

If the extension had been built pre 1948 you would be OK but as its more recent than that the extension that was added on cannot be considered as part of the 'original house'. As per my quote.

 

[Jimmy1450]

Thanks Freddy.

Is someone able to comment on whether the proposed side extension will get rejected. Or should it be quite a straightforward green light from the Council?

 

[jeds]

Thanks Freddy.

Is someone able to comment on whether the proposed side extension will get rejected. Or should it be quite a straightforward green light from the Council?

Hard to say. It's the sort of thing that falls into the 'random decision making' category where sensible, logical thinking doesn't always apply. Is it overlooked by neighbours or can it be seen from any highway/footpath?