Do You Need Planning Permission for a Home Extension in Surrey?
Many single-storey rear extensions in Surrey fall under Permitted Development and do not need full planning permission, but that depends on your property type, its location and the size of the extension. Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats and most two-storey extensions are treated differently, so confirm the position with your local planning authority before you build.
Permitted Development Rights Explained
Permitted Development rights allow homeowners to make certain changes to their property without applying for planning permission. For extensions to houses in Surrey, the key national PD limits are broadly these, summarised as general guidance:
- Single-storey rear extensions: Up to 3 metres from the rear wall for attached houses, or 4 metres for detached houses
- Larger rear extensions: Up to 6 metres (attached) or 8 metres (detached) under the Prior Approval process through the Larger Home Extension scheme
- Side extensions: Up to half the width of the original dwelling, single storey only
- Height: Single-storey extensions up to 4 metres high (3 metres to the eaves within 2 metres of a boundary), and eaves no higher than those of the existing house
When Planning Permission Is Required
You will typically need full planning permission if:
- Your property is in a designated conservation area
- You live in a listed building (Listed Building Consent is also needed)
- You are building a two-storey extension
- The extension exceeds PD size limits
- You have already used your PD allowance with previous extensions
- Your property is a flat or maisonette
Local Planning Authorities in Surrey
Each borough in Surrey has its own planning department with specific local policies:
- Guildford Borough Council: covers Guildford town and surrounding villages
- Woking Borough Council: covers Woking, Horsell, and Byfleet
- Epsom and Ewell Borough Council: covers Epsom, Ewell, and Stoneleigh
- Reigate and Banstead Borough Council: covers Reigate, Banstead, and Redhill
- Elmbridge Borough Council: covers Cobham, Esher, and Walton-on-Thames
- Mole Valley District Council: covers Dorking and Leatherhead
- Waverley Borough Council: covers Farnham, Godalming, and Cranleigh
- Surrey Heath Borough Council: covers Camberley, Frimley, and Bagshot
How Grand Innovations Helps
We manage the entire planning process on your behalf. This includes preparing architectural drawings, submitting applications, liaising with your local planning authority, and ensuring full building regulations compliance. Our experience across Surrey's planning authorities means we understand local design policies and can advise on the best approach for your specific property.
If you're considering an extension in Surrey, contact Grand Innovations for a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll assess your property, confirm your Permitted Development rights, and explain the planning route that applies to your project.
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“The attention to detail and absolute financial transparency provided by Grand Innovations completely redefined our expectations of what a home renovation could be. High standard of work, the extension is beautiful and has added so much value onto our home. Really appreciated the weekly billing, rather than a big amount upfront.”