England · National documents
Permitted development rights for householders: technical guidance
Explains the detailed permitted-development rules for house extensions, roof alterations, outbuildings and other works within a house’s curtilage.
AI-generated summaries of the linked official sources; not editorially reviewed. Sources and limits
Where this document applies
England: relevance depends on the proposal, site and planning process.
Permitted development rights for householders: technical guidance (official source, opens in a new tab) · Documents; Details
Check every class relevant to the works
Extensions, roof changes, outbuildings and other works fall under different classes. A scheme involving more than one kind of work may need to satisfy several classes, with all relevant limitations and conditions met.
Read the official source (official source, opens in a new tab) · Introduction: The structure of the rules on permitted development
Measure the proposal against the correct definitions
The technical guidance explains terms such as the original house, curtilage and principal elevation. These definitions matter when applying dimensional limits; the appearance of the present building or a neighbour’s extension does not settle the relevant baseline.
Read the official source (official source, opens in a new tab) · Introduction; Classes A–H
Limits and checks
- This national source does not establish the local policies, designations or site facts that apply to an individual proposal.
- All relevant limitations and conditions must be met. The guidance is not a substitute for checking the amended legislation, site restrictions and any Article 4 direction or permission condition.
Read alongside this document
Put the national source in your local context
Start with the exact refusal reason. Note the policy and paragraph it cites, then check your authority’s policy summary and the facts discussed in relevant appeal decisions. Each appeal turns on its own facts and does not predict another outcome.