Are you aware that there are various home improvement projects that can be undertaken without the need for planning permissions? Many smaller projects such as serviced apartments in Reading use the term of permitted developments, meaning that there is an implied consent when carrying them out. Of course, there are limitations to permitted development rights, particularly if you have already completed improvements to the house or reside in listed buildings or designated areas.
Contrary to these smaller projects, large and substantial developments will continue to require planning permissions. It is recommended that you check with the Local Planning Authority before development to ensure if the project needs planning permissions. This is important because PD rights can be removed in certain cases.
Remodelling the Interior of the House
Remodelling or renovating the interior of a house is a perfect method to add more space to the area. This can often be completed with any planning permissions, particularly if the proposed work does not require any extension of the overall building. Of course, while you may not require additional planning permission, you will require approval from Building Regulation Authorities regarding the property’s electrical works and structural elements.
Adding or Relocating Doors and Windows
In typical circumstances, it is possible to add or replace windows in the original building’s walls without any planning permissions. If, however, the conditions were attached to the original planning permission, then it may be necessary to obtain further permissions.
If the building is not a listed property, it can be possible to install double glazed windows without planning permissions. However, a complication may arise based on the dimensions of the new doors and windows. It is important to consider the Building Regulations guidelines when adding new doors and windows, particularly if they are considered extensions (such as bay windows).
A planning permission is not required when inserting new door openings or windows if the upper floor window on the side elevation is glazed with obscure glass. It must also be fixed using a non-opening frame, unless the opener is less than 2m above the floor of the room.
Converting the Garage
Unbelievably, you may not require any planning permissions if you want to convert your garage. Garages that are attached to a building, such as an integral garage, are considered living spaces and fall into the realm of PD; therefore, you do not need to apply for planning permissions, as you will not be changing the structure of the building. If, however, the garage is a standalone building, there may be a necessity to apply for permissions with the conversion of the building’s function.
The Size of a Single-Storey Extension Building
It is possible to build a single-storey extension building without any additional planning permission as long as the construction remains without the parameters indicated below:
The materials need to be similar
- The extension does not protrude beyond the principal elevation
- The rear extension has a depth of no more than 4m for a detached building and 3m for a terrace or semi-detached building
- The side extension’s width is not larger than half the width of the original building
- When the building lies within 2m of the boundary, the eaves cannot be over 3mhigh or 4m high in the other way
- For more details regarding the caveats, please see the website: www.planningportal.gov.uk
Addition Of Roof lights
It is possible to make changes to the roof lights of a building without planning permissions, such as the introduction of roof lighting. However, it is essential that the lights do not project more than approximately 15cm of light from the slope of the roof. If the lights extend from the roof plan along the elevation front, then they require additional planning permission. It should also be noted that roof lighting is not permitted on buildings located in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Conservation Areas.
Converting the Loft
Loft conversion is highly beneficial to increase space in a building without additional planning permissions. Unfortunately, there are restrictions on the cubic content for conversion without planning permission. The typical limitation is approximately 40m cubed.