15 things you need to know before extending

1 NEIGHBOUR CONSULTATION SCHEME

If you intend to build a large single-storey rear extension of between 4m up to 8m (for a detached house) or between 3m and up to 6m on any other house*, you can now typically do so under Permitted Development (PD). But, you’ll likely need to go through the Neighbour Consultation Scheme, which is a prior approval process for large extensions. You must notify your local authority of your intention to build a large extension and they will then notify your adjoining neighbours and consult them about your planned extension. If your neighbours raise concerns, your local authority will deem whether your plans can go ahead.

2 BUILDING REGULATIONS

Your extension will need to comply with Building Regs. To meet the Regs you can either submit a Full Plans application — commissioning and submitting Building Regs plans that show the building control inspector how the extension conforms prior to