We are getting planning permission for a record number of roof extensions at appeal

For most people, extending their house at roof level (by building a dormer or mansard) can be done using permitted development rights. However, not all houses have permitted development rights and flats don’t have any permitted development rights at all. Those homeowners need to apply for planning permission for their extensions and are often frustrated […]

Refused planning permission for a dormer loft extension? It pays to appeal…

Refused planning permission for a dormer roof extension? It can be frustrating and confusing to have planning permission refused for a dormer roof extension, particularly where similar extensions appear elsewhere in the street or neighbourhood. Dormers are often associated with permitted development, but planning permission is required in a number of common situations, including for […]

Enforcement action against unauthorised dormer roof extensions

Every month, we help homeowners who are facing planning enforcement action after building a dormer roof extension. In most cases, the situation has arisen through an innocent mistake. The homeowner believed the dormer was permitted development and did not require planning permission, only to be told later by the council that this was not the […]

The HOUSES vs FLATS anomaly

There is a strange anomaly in the householder planning system. HOUSES have permitted development rights but FLATS do not. So HOUSES can be extended without the need for planning permission, but FLATS cannot. Since 2008, permitted development rights have become increasingly generous, meaning HOUSES can be extended in ways that Councils would never normally give […]