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Do I Need Planning Permission for a Rear Extension in Enfield?

Get an instant assessment based on UK Permitted Development rights (GPDO 2015) and your property constraints in Enfield.

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What You Should Know

Rear Extension

Single-storey rear extension to your property

GPDO Class
Class A

Enfield Constraints

🏛️
Conservation Areas
0
📋
Article 4 Directions
0
🏰
Listed Buildings
0
💧
Flood Risk Areas
None

Permitted Development Rules

Key Limits

  • •Single-storey only (max 4m height to eaves, 3m if semi/terrace)
  • •Max 4 metres deep from the rear wall of the original house (semi-detached or terrace)
  • •Max 8 metres deep for detached houses
  • •Max width equal to the original house width
  • •Must not reduce rear garden below 50% of original area

Important Conditions

  • •No balconies or full-length windows without screening
  • •Must use materials to match existing property
  • •No permanent fences during construction
  • •Must not obstruct windows or doors of neighbouring properties

Important: These are the standard GPDO 2015 rules for England. Your specific property may have additional restrictions due to conservation area status, listing, Article 4 directions, or local planning designations. Always verify with your local planning authority before starting work.

Frequently Asked Questions

▼What is the difference between Permitted Development and planning permission?

Permitted Development (PD) rights allow you to carry out certain works without obtaining planning permission, as long as you comply with the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) 2015. If your project falls outside these rules, you need to apply for planning permission.

▼Who do I contact if I need planning permission?

Contact your local planning authority (your borough council). They can provide advice on your specific project and help you prepare a planning application.

▼What is an Article 4 Direction?

An Article 4 Direction restricts certain Permitted Development rights in specific areas. If your property is subject to an Article 4, you may need planning permission for works that would normally be allowed.

▼Does my listed building status affect planning?

Yes, listed buildings have additional restrictions. Almost all alterations to listed buildings require Listed Building Consent, even if they would normally be Permitted Development.

▼What about conservation areas?

Conservation areas have additional restrictions on Permitted Development rights. Some works that would normally be allowed may require planning permission if your property is in a conservation area.

▼What is the maximum depth for a rear extension?

For semi-detached and terraced houses, the maximum depth is 4 metres. For detached houses, you can extend up to 8 metres from the rear wall of the original house.

▼Can I build a two-storey rear extension?

No, Permitted Development allows only single-storey extensions. If you want a two-storey extension, you will need to apply for planning permission.

▼Do I need Building Regulations approval?

Yes, even though you may not need planning permission, you will need to comply with Building Regulations. You must submit a Building Regulations application before work begins.

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