Permitted Development vs Planning Permission Compared
The General Permitted Development Order (GPDO 2015) automatically grants national planning permission for common minor household alterations.
However, permitted development rights are subject to stringent cubic volume limits, height caps, and boundary constraints. Exceeding a statutory threshold by even 5 centimetres transforms the project into unauthorized development requiring full planning permission.
| Feature | Permitted Development (PDR) | Full Planning Permission |
|---|---|---|
| Application Required | No (voluntary Lawful Development Certificate recommended) | Yes (Full plans, fee & local validation) |
| Council Discretion | Council cannot refuse if criteria are met (except Prior Approval) | Council has full discretion to approve or refuse |
| Neighbour Objections | Neighbours cannot object (except on Prior Approval larger extensions) | Neighbours have 21 days to submit formal representations |
| Processing Timeline | Immediate (or 8 weeks for LDC / Prior Approval) | Statutory 8-week target from validation |
| Article 4 Impact | Can be completely revoked by local council Article 4 direction | Required if Article 4 is in force |
| Flats & Commercial | Applies only to single-family houses (not flats or maisonettes) | Required for all flat and commercial developments |
When Are Permitted Development Rights Removed?
You cannot assume your house possesses permitted development rights until you check for statutory constraints.
Rights are commonly stripped or restricted by: (1) Article 4 Directions enacted by the council, (2) Conservation Area designations, (3) Listed Building status, or (4) Planning conditions attached to the original developer's estate permission when the house was built.
Permitted development rights for extensions and outbuildings apply exclusively to single dwellinghouses. If you own a flat, maisonette, or commercial premises, you must apply for full planning permission for all external alterations.
Summary of Common Permitted Development Limits (England)
Common householder allowances under the GPDO 2015 include: