The purpose of the planning system is to ensure that house extensions and outbuildings that require planning permission are well designed and do not impact negatively on neighbouring properties.
First steps
HEO.a Is my house in a Conservation Area?
If the answer is NO, continue to HEO.b
If the answer is YES, please contact us.
HEO.b Is my property a Listed Building or a heritage asset under the Local List?
Click here to find out: Listed Buildings search - Local List
If the answer is YES, please contact us.
HEO.c Are any of my trees under a Tree Protection Order (TPO)?
If the answer is YES, please contact us.
HEO.d Is there a historic Article 4 Direction on the property?
Article 4 Directions have been put in place on several specific properties, mostly within conservation areas. These impose restrictions on minor building work, such as small extensions, outbuildings, and changes to windows and doors. The details of each direction vary, and you are advised to use our Minor Works Enquiry Service if you are thinking of doing work within the area.
Areas covered by article 4:
Devonshire promenade
Foxhall road
Sneinton
Strelley village
Waterloo promenade
Wellington terrace
Click here to find out if your house is under an Article 4 Direction
If the answer is YES you will need planning permission. Please continue to ‘Before Starting A Planning Application Process’ below.
Before starting a planning application process
HEO.e Look at your title deeds
Check the boundaries of your property with precision, and that there are no restrictions within your title deeds regarding the development you wish to carry out. The planning authority will NOT check restrictive covenants.
HEO.f Look at the Housing Extensions and Outbuildings Design Criteria
Your proposal will need to meet all the Housing Extensions and Outbuildings Design Criteria (COMING SOON) for planning permission to be granted.
HEO.g Talk to your neighbours
Before submitting a planning application, you should show your proposed plans to your neighbours and speak to them about it. We will consult them during the planning application, so speaking to them before the process starts will help to retain good relationships with your neighbours.
HEO.h Find a qualified professional
It is highly recommended that you to hire a qualified architect to design your extension and produce your plans. You should ask for examples of their previous work that has been granted planning permission. Whilst cost is a consideration, it is not always better to go for the cheapest option. Architects will change for changes to plans, so if a low quality proposal is submitted which requires many changes during the planning application, this could end up costing you more money than an architect who charges more up-front but submits a high quality proposal that considers features raised in this design guide. RIBA have a tool for finding a Chartered architect.
Before you begin Your Design
Please look at clause HEO.f above.
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Extensions and Outbuildings Appraisal Form (coming soon)
Definitions
Planning Portal: do I need Planning Permission?
A housing extension is an incidental use building that is ancillary to the existing building.
An annex - sometimes called “granny annexe”- are a common form of development that is generally proposed in order to allow relatives to live with their family with a degree of independence. An annexe is accommodation which is ancillary to the main residential dwelling and used for this purpose. It is a self-contained living space that features a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, and is part of an existing house.
An outbuilding is defined as an enclosed non-habitable structure that is detached from any dwelling. These separate structures are used for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house. In other words, an outbuilding is a type of building that is separate from your main property and is used for additional purposes. Examples of outbuildings includes sheds, greenhouses, garages, swimming pools etc.
Ancillary use is of secondary importance, auxiliary or supplementary. An ancillary use needs planning permission and is generally anything you (as a person) could do normally in a standard house as built; e.g. eat, sleep, sit comfortably, pray, study, watch tv, shower.
Article 4 Direction Historic England definition
Conservation Area Historic England definition
Green Belt is a strip of countryside round a city or town where building is not allowed, these are designated by planning police.
Incidental use is of a minor, casual, or subordinate nature. It might include storage, swimming, bowling, gym, art studio, or something that can be classed as a hobby. An incidental use is “parasitic” on the primary use and cannot exist without it.
Listed Building Historic England definition
Local List Historic England definition
Restrictive Covenant is an imposed restriction on the use of land so that the value and enjoyment of adjoining land will be preserved.
Tree Preservation Order (TPO) Woodland Trust definition