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LXW ArchitectsLXW Architects
Permitted Development

permitted development rights.

Build extensions, conversions and more without planning permission.

Expert architects maximizing your property's potential under PDR, saving you time and money.

Build Without Planning Permission.

Permitted Development Rights (PDR) are a national grant of planning permission allowing certain building works without a planning application. This can save months of time and thousands in fees.

As expert architects, we know exactly what's possible under PDR and how to maximize your property's potential within the rules. We ensure full compliance while achieving the space you need.

Even under PDR, you need Building Regulations approval and possibly a Lawful Development Certificate. We handle everything, ensuring your project is legal and properly documented.

PDR Benefits:

  • No planning application needed
  • Save 3-4 months waiting time
  • No planning fees (save £200-500)
  • No risk of planning refusal
  • No neighbor consultation period
  • Start building sooner
  • Less paperwork and hassle
  • Certainty of outcome

Permitted Development Rules 2024

Home Extensions

Single Storey Rear Extensions

  • Semi/Terraced: Up to 6 metres
  • Detached: Up to 8 metres
  • Height: Maximum 4 metres
  • Eaves: Maximum 3 metres
  • • Materials must match existing house

Double Storey Extensions

  • Projection: Up to 3 metres rear
  • Height: No higher than existing
  • Within 7m of boundary: Eaves max 3m
  • • Not permitted on side facing highway
  • • Materials must match existing

Side Extensions

  • • Maximum half width of original house
  • • Single storey only
  • • Maximum 4 metres height
  • • Not on side facing highway (if 2-storey)
  • • Materials must match

Prior Approval (Larger Extensions)

  • • Semi/Terraced: 6m can extend to 8m
  • • Detached: 8m standard PDR
  • • Neighbors consulted for 21 days
  • • Council decision in 42 days
  • • Small fee required (£96)

Conversions

Loft Conversions

  • • 40m³ terraced/semi
  • • 50m³ detached
  • • Max 20cm beyond roof plane
  • • Dormers not on front
  • • Materials to match

Garage Conversions

  • • Usually permitted
  • • If attached to house
  • • No external changes
  • • Building regs required
  • • Check parking requirements

Outbuildings

  • • Not on land forward of house
  • • Single storey only
  • • Max 2.5m if within 2m boundary
  • • Max 4m height (dual pitch)
  • • Max 50% of garden

Important Restrictions

PDR May Be Restricted If:

  • • Property is listed
  • • In a conservation area
  • • In an AONB or National Park
  • • Subject to Article 4 Direction
  • • Flats or maisonettes

You Still Need:

  • • Building Regulations approval
  • • Party Wall agreements
  • • Lawful Development Certificate (recommended)
  • • To comply with covenants
  • • Structural engineer input (if needed)

Our Permitted Development Services

PDR Assessment

Free assessment of what you can build under Permitted Development Rights on your property.

Get Assessment →

Prior Approval

Handle Prior Approval applications for larger home extensions under the PDR scheme.

Apply Now →

Lawful Development Certificate

Obtain legal confirmation that your development is lawful - essential for selling or mortgaging.

Get Certificate →

Building Regulations

Full Building Regulations drawings and applications for your permitted development project.

Get Started →

Design & Drawings

Professional architectural drawings maximizing your space within PDR limits.

Design Service →

Planning Fallback

If PDR isn't possible, we'll handle full planning permission with our 98% success rate.

Planning Help →

Permitted Development Across the South West

While PDR is national legislation, local factors affect what's possible. We understand the specific constraints and opportunities in each area we serve.

PDR in Cornwall

Many coastal and AONB restrictions. We know which areas have Article 4 directions and how to maximize your rights.

Cornwall PDR Services →

PDR in Devon

Navigate Dartmoor National Park restrictions and conservation areas while maximizing permitted development potential.

Devon PDR Services →

PDR in Somerset

From Bath's World Heritage Site to rural Somerset, we understand local restrictions and opportunities.

Somerset PDR Services →

Check Your Permitted Development Rights

Free assessment of what you can build under Permitted Development. We'll visit your property and provide clear advice on your options.

Let's Talk

start a conversation.

Get expert architectural advice for your project.

- Initial consultation
- Planning permission guidance
- No obligation quote

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours (excluding weekends / bank holidays).


Let's Talk

start a conversation.

Get expert architectural advice for your project.

- Initial consultation
- Planning permission guidance
- No obligation quote

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours (excluding weekends / bank holidays).