Permitted Development Extensions for London Homes
23, Oct, 2025
It’s a dream for many homeowners living in the UK to get more space for their homes and have a bigger kitchen, office, or living area. However, the thought of applying for planning permission can become lengthy, costly, and even stressful. But here’s the good part: you may not need it at all. If you have a permitted development extension, you can easily extend your existing home without any permission.
What Is a Permitted Development Extension?
It’s a permission to extend your home legally without ever applying for the planning permit. If the work falls within the government PD rights, it becomes very easy for homeowners to extend their properties.
Under the PD rights, you are allowed to build small to medium-sized extensions, but they must comply with the rules on size, height, and visibility.
What You Can Build Under Permitted Development
Let’s see some of the most common types of extensions that you can build with PD rights:
Rear Extensions: You are allowed to extend the back of your home by 3 metres for the terraced or semi-detached homes, and 4 meters for detached homes.
Side Extensions: You are allowed to side-extend a single-storey house, but it should not be wider than half the original house.
Loft Conversions: Add up to 40 cubic metres of space for a terraced house or 50 cubic metres for a detached home.
Porches and Outbuildings: As long as the height and space limits are met, these are allowed as needed.
But you need to remember that not every property is eligible, so flats, listed buildings, and homes in conversion may have highly restrictive conditions or even no permission for development. So, it’s best to get guidance from a reliable builder like Denham Crescent.
Rules and Restrictions You Should Know
Even if you don't require planning permission, there are some rules you have to follow:
The extension should not go above the existing roof.
Materials should be the same as the ones used for the original house.
Extensions will not come forward towards the public road.
Roof and eaves heights are limited.
Extensions must not cover half the garden or land in the house.
Some local councils in London have also added restrictions on PD rights for specific areas, like the conservation zone. So ask your builder before starting the work.
Do You Still Need Building Regulations?
Yes, regardless of extension required or not, building regulations must be followed to ensure structure is safe.
Areas covered in building regulations include:
The strength of structure to handle the load-bearing walls.
Complete fire safety and ventilation
Drainage and plumbing
Electrical systems and insulation
If your property shares a wall with other people, you will also require a Party Wall Agreement. It helps to stay away from disputes.
The Denham Crescent team manages all details on your behalf, including design and construction whilst you can have peace of mind.
Benefits of a Permitted Development Extension
Many South London homeowners have already got their permitted development extensions and here’s why:
No waiting months for planning permission once you already have it.
It saves future planning fees and reduces professional costs.
It also adds extra living space and boosts resale price.
It’s ideal for creating a kitchen extension, home office, or family room.
Everything stays within clear, legal limits so you can get most done.
How to Check If Your Home Qualifies?
Your builder like Denham Crescent can check it on your behalf to see if your home qualifies. It’s usually done by visiting planning portals or asking it from the local council.
But the guidelines are not easy to follow especially when you are in London where the restrictions are strict. Therefore, it’s always recommended to contact Denham Crescent for a free home assessment.
Mistakes to Avoid In Permitted Development
Even simple spelling errors can cause major delays or leave you paying more. Here’s what you should not be doing:
Starting work without confirming PD eligibility.
Building larger than allowed under PD limits.
Ignoring drainage, structure, or roof height rules.
Failing to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) for proof.
Hiring unqualified builders who don’t understand UK building codes.
How Can Denham Crescent Help?
We specialise in home extensions and loft conversions under permitted development rights across South London. Our team has skills to handle design and regulations as per the legal construction rules.
Our team ensures your project is following all rules and staying within budget. Whether you need a kitchen extension, a simple loft upgrade, or a stylish rear build, we have the power to do it faster and better than competitors.
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