Permitted Development Rights

Maximising Your Permitted Development Potential

Permitted Development (PD) rights are a set of national planning permissions granted by Parliament, allowing certain works to be carried out without requiring a full planning application. For residential properties, this includes single-storey rear extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, and — in certain circumstances — larger extensions under the Larger Home Extension Scheme. For commercial properties, the Class MA Prior Approval process enables office-to-residential conversions without full planning permission.

However, PD rights are subject to a complex set of size limits, conditions, and local restrictions. Article 4 Directions in conservation areas frequently remove PD rights entirely. DMC Planning provides definitive advice on what is achievable under PD, manages the Prior Approval process where required, and secures Lawful Development Certificates (LDCs) from the local authority to provide documentary confirmation that the works are lawful — essential protection for property owners and a condition of many mortgage lenders.

What We Do

• PD Rights Assessment

  We carry out a detailed assessment of the property's PD entitlement, taking into account size thresholds, conditions, Article 4 Directions, and any previous extensions that reduce the remaining PD allowance.

• Prior Approval Applications

  We prepare and submit Prior Approval applications for works that fall within PD but require the local planning authority's agreement on specific matters before proceeding.

• Larger Home Extension Scheme

  We manage the neighbour consultation scheme for larger single-storey rear extensions, which allows extensions up to 8 metres (detached) or 6 metres (other dwellings) where no neighbour objections are raised on specific grounds.

• Lawful Development Certificates

  We prepare and submit applications for Certificates of Lawful Development (proposed or existing) to obtain formal documentary confirmation from the local authority that the works or use are lawful.

• Article 4 Direction Analysis

  We identify and analyse Article 4 Directions affecting the property, advising on which specific PD rights have been removed and what consent route is required as a result.

• Class MA Office-to-Residential Conversions

  We advise on and manage Prior Approval applications under Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order for the conversion of commercial, business and service premises to residential use.

Our Approach to Permitted Development

We begin with a detailed assessment of the property, including a review of any Article 4 Directions, tree preservation orders, listed building status, and flood zone designations that might restrict PD rights. Where PD is available, we advise on the maximum developable envelope and prepare either a Prior Approval application or Lawful Development Certificate application to secure formal confirmation from the local authority.

Our approach is to maximise what can be achieved within the PD framework before considering a full planning application — not because PD is always preferable, but because it is faster, cheaper, and more certain where it genuinely applies. We advise clearly and honestly when a full application is the more appropriate or more protective route, so clients always proceed with the correct consent in place.

Frequently Asked Questions