Do i need planning permission?

Planning regulations for domestic extensions in England are governed by national guidelines, but local councils may have supplementary planning documents (SPDs) that provide additional guidance tailored to their specific areas. Below is an overview of the general rules, along with specific considerations for St Helens, Warrington, Wigan, Manchester, and Liverpool.

At Complete Property Solutions, we can assist you with planning permission. We have over thirty years of experience dealing with your local authorities and building regulations.

We are fully CERTASS registered, accredited by The Guild of Master Craftsmen, compliant with UK building regulations and committed to providing you with the best standard of service. Combined with expert yet friendly installers.

General Permitted Development Rights in England:

Under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended), certain extensions can be built without the need for planning permission, known as “permitted development,” provided they meet specific criteria:

Single-Storey Rear Extensions:

Must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 4 metres for detached houses, or 3 metres for other houses.

Maximum height of 4 metres.

Multi-Storey Rear Extensions:

Must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3 metres.

Must be at least 7 metres from the rear boundary.

Side Extensions:

Single-storey only, with a maximum height of 4 metres.

The width must not exceed half the width of the original house.

General Limitations:

Extensions must not cover more than half the area of land around the original house.

Materials should be similar in appearance to the existing house.

No verandas, balconies, or raised platforms are permitted.

For detailed guidance, refer to the Planning Portals listed at the bottom of this page.

Local Authority Guidelines:

While national rules apply, local councils may have additional guidelines to ensure extensions are in keeping with the area’s character.

Wigan:

The “House Extensions Design Guide” points out that extensions should not adversely affect the house, neighbours, or the streetscape.

It provides detailed advice on various extensions, including rear, side, and front extensions, as well as considerations for listed buildings and conservation areas.

Warrington:

The “House Extensions Supplementary Planning Document” outlines design principles to ensure extensions harmonize with the existing dwelling and surrounding area.

It covers aspects such as space around dwellings, design, impact on neighbours’ amenities, and specific guidelines for different types of extensions.

Manchester and Liverpool:

Both cities adhere to national permitted development rights but may have specific local planning policies, especially in conservation areas or for listed buildings.

It’s advisable to consult the respective city councils’ planning departments for detailed guidance. ( see links at the bottom of this page.)

St Helens:

Specific guidelines may be available through the St Helens Council’s planning department.

Contacting the council directly or visiting their official website will provide the most accurate information.

Recent Developments:

As of December 2024, the UK government announced plans to ease planning laws, allowing homeowners to build loft extensions and add extra storeys more easily. These reforms aim to alleviate the housing crisis by encouraging upward building. Extensions must complement surrounding buildings and protect local heritage. For more details, refer to the recent news article:

Recommendations:

Consult Local Planning Authorities: Before proceeding with any extension, it’s crucial to consult your local planning authority to ensure compliance with both national and local regulations.

Consider Neighbours: Ensure that your proposed extension does not adversely affect your neighbours’ light, privacy, or amenity.

Professional Advice: Engaging with a planning consultant or architect can provide tailored advice and assist with the planning application process.

By adhering to both national and local guidelines, you can ensure that your domestic extension project proceeds smoothly and in compliance with all relevant regulations.

Need an Architect?

If you need help with your drawings please call us on Call Today
01925 223 297. We have trusted partners that can help you with architect drawings.

Customer reviews

    
 
 
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   Ma Cl 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great job, we were really happy with everything they did. From the start we were given sound advice from both Gareth and Mike, all the lads on site were really pleasant, and we were so pleased we've already booked them in for a future job.
  
 
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   Tina Hunter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. FANTASTIC so pleased !   We have just had our conservatory completed by Complete Property Solutions and from start to finish they were a pleasure to deal with.  Gareth has a professional, friendly,  hard working team who have done a fantastic job.  They really work as a team and  clearly take pride in their work! The lads were here by 8 am each without fail!  The pics don’t do it justice really happy with end result .   We had numerous quotes from other companies and I’m so pleased we chose to go with Gareth snd his team .  I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them and use them again I. The future ..thank you Gareth and ALL the team
  
 
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   John Bradley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Garage conversion just completed. The whole team were great to deal with. Fair and transparent. We slightly altered the plan after work had started. New price sorted and amendments done with no issues. Great communication throughout.
  
 
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   pickupchuck 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Complete Property Solutions replaced all the windows in our house in a day! Excellent service and Les, Tyler and Kian did a fabulous job. Quality of the windows is amazing and the finishing is great. Professional and friendly service, will be using them to replace our door and redo our bay roof in future. Highly recommend.
  
 
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   Mike Frankland 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent company, I cannot rate them highly enough. I had confidence in this company from the start of the project when Gareth came round to have a look at the work. He came up with great solutions which would allow us to have the space we required. No issue was a problem for them they just came up with solutions and carried   on with the work. A big thanks to Phil and Mitch who carried out the majority of the work and fixed the many issues along the way plus a thanks to all the other lads who were involved in the project. I would highly recommend this company to anyone thinking of having work done.
  
 
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   Carol Callinan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent customer service from beginning to end, I'm absolutely made up with the end result and would definitely recommend. A++++
  
 
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   Debbie Waine 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing company would 100% recommend… I’ll be using them again :-) There work is perfect very professional…They were at mine 8am daily….They finished the work within the time scale…very trust worthy… I actually gave them a key to let themselves in and lock up in the evening… I loved getting home of an evening and seeing the work that was completed that day. So glad I choose them…I couldn’t fault them… nothing is to much… there happy if your happy…I’m very happy customer :-) I’m sure I’ll be in touch soon with my next project Debbbie
  
 
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   Lesley Rafferty 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From our first contact with Gareth and Dave until the end of the build, this company were fantastic!!  The build came in on budget and earlier than we expected!! They were always available to speak to and had excellent knowledge of building regulations and planning etc.  All the lads were really good tradesmen, polite, on time and cracked on with the job with a good sense of humour.  Special mention to Phil who was on the build from day one until the end and was really enthusiastic about the job, taking great pride in ensuring we were happy customers.  Keep them stocked up with brews and you won't go wrong!! Les and Stu.
  
 
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   Andrew Fowler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From start to finish we couldn't have wished for a better company to build our extension. After an initial consultation Gareth took charge of the project and work began ahead of time, which was a bonus. The planning was superb, the teams arrived in different stages as the project progresses. It all went like clockwork. We had no issues, all the tradesmen on-site were both amazing workers and great company too. Totally trustworthy and honest. But it's the end result that matters, and these guys knocked it out the park. In an industry sector that can sometimes be a scary prospect to navigate there's this company that stands up as one of the best. Thanks guys for everything you did, the changes you implemented as our plans changed and the highly professional service you all provided and the craftsmanship you delivered. We love our new living space and it's down to you guys.. Couldn't recommend them enough.
  
 
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   Deb Steutel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Giving a review before the job is done because Gareth went out of his way to help me out .thanks so much