Do House Extensions Require Planning Permission?

House extensions are perfect for homeowners wanting more space without having to move to a larger property. With a custom installation, you can create an extra bedroom, larger kitchen, additional living space and many more versatile rooms within your existing property. If you have big plans for a house extension in 2024, it is important that you seek planning permission when necessary. 

At SRJ Sunrooms, we install contemporary conservatories, orangeries, garden rooms and house extensions. If you are unsure whether house extensions require planning permission, keep reading. Our experts are sharing everything you need to know about house extensions and planning permission for UK homeowners. 

Planning Permission – When Is It Needed?

We know that updating your home is exciting, but there are a few essential admin pieces that need to be completed before your project can begin. When it comes to building a house extension, applying for planning permission should be one of the first stages of your project. 

There are several laws surrounding house extensions and planning permission. However, not all house extensions require planning permission, so it is always important to check first. Without going into every single detail, here is a general consensus on how to determine whether you need planning permission: 

• If you intend to build on to the front of your property, you will need planning. 
• If you want to use any type of solid roof at the rear of your property, you will almost certainly need planning permission.    
• If you are building within 1 meter of your property’s boundary, you will need a firewall and planning permission. 
• If you are building a conservatory under a certain size at the rear of your property, then you may not require planning permission. 

Please note that building warrants and structural engineer reports are also required on most planning applications for extensions. However, these requirements also vary from one council to another. 

A few more things to consider with your sunroom, conservatory, extension or solid roof replacement is that you will have maximum sizes in relation to the size of the garden you have, which is calculated by the percentage of the garden it will cover. You will then need to consider a building warrant and the square meterage of glass you want, as this determines if you can have the sunroom, conservatory or extension open planned from your property or if it will need connecting doors. 

We understand that it can all be very confusing! The best starting point for your dream sunroom, extension or conservatory is to get in touch with SRJ, and we will try our very best to take all the confusion out of the process and handle the legal requirements with your local council. 

What is SRJ’s Process for Planning Permission? 

If you have been wondering about our process for planning permission, see our step by step guide below.

1. The Idea. Your idea – what is the space needed for? This should be considered when you are deciding what materials you want to use to build your additional space, such as an area of glass, which may determine how easy will it be to heat and cool your extension.

2. The Reality.  What are your ground conditions like? Is your property on earth and rubble like many new properties, which may require steel piles to be installed before the foundations? How will your idea look on your home? How practical is it to build? Will planners accept it? Though you do not need to find all the answers to your questions right now, we will help with all of these when planning your project. 

3. The Drawing & Submissions. We can take care of the architectural drawings and submissions for you. This is the longest part of the process and can sometimes feel like time can drag a little. We normally start the process after we receive your contract and survey, then depending on your council area, such as if there are council holidays or the complexity of your building, it can be 3-6 months or even 12-15 months for full approvals.

4. The Approval & Scheduling. Great! Now we can liaise with you regarding installation dates, and we can create your tailored made schedule. Our current timeline for starting your build after approval is 3-5 months.

5. The Building. Finally, after a considerable wait, we are with you, making your dreams a reality! You can follow along every day with the schedule that was sent to you by our team and explain which trade will be with you each day.  

6. The Completion. The keys will be handed over, and your new sunroom, conservatory or extension is all yours! We would then apply for any completion certificates.  

Extend Your Home With SRJ Sunrooms 

At SRJ Sunrooms, we have been transforming homes across Scotland for over 30 years. We specialise in energy efficient, tailor made double glazed spaces. Our skilled experts install sunrooms, conservatories, garden rooms and house extensions.  

To discuss your bespoke house extension with the SRJ team, get in touch today. You can contact us by calling 01383 341 117 or filling out our online contact form.