Understanding Permitted Development Rights in England
Permitted development rights (PDRs) in England allow householders and developers to make certain changes to properties without needing full planning permission. These rights are designed to streamline the process for minor improvements while ensuring developments remain in harmony with their surroundings. Under PDRs, householders can undertake projects such as rear extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, and garden rooms without applying for planning permission, provided they meet specific criteria. These rights are outlined in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, which sets the legal framework for what is allowed.
However, PDRs are not unlimited. Restrictions apply in conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and listed buildings, where additional permissions may be required. Additionally, they cannot be used for flats or maisonettes. Recent discussions have explored potential changes to PDRs, including allowing taller and wider extensions and removing curtilage restrictions, which currently limit extensions to 50% of the surrounding land.
Permitted development rights offer a practical way to enhance properties without the complexities of full planning applications, if you have a householder project in mind and would like some further advice then just let us know.