Permitted Development in plain English (England)

Scope: England Last reviewed: 2026-02-06

The quick answer

Permitted Development (PD) is a set of national rules that lets many homeowners extend or alter a house without a full planning application, as long as you stay within strict limits and conditions. PD doesn’t automatically apply to every property, and it doesn’t replace building regs.

Quick checks

• Is it a house (not a flat/maisonette)?
• Are you in a conservation area or under Article 4?
• Are you measuring from the original house?
• Do you need prior approval for deeper rear extensions?
• Would an LDC reduce resale risk?

Common fail points

• Wrong baseline measurements
• Height mistakes near boundaries
• Ignoring constraints (Article 4, conservation)
• Confusing planning route with building regulations

Next steps

• If you want a clear yes/no for your exact property, book a consultation.
• If you want proof for resale, consider an LDC pack.

Primary sources

• GOV.UK: Permitted development rights for householders (technical guidance)
• GOV.UK: Lawful Development Certificates guidance
• Planning Portal: Interactive House (guidance)