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Original poster

Bedroom extension, planning & neighbours

10 replies

WineSpider · 13/05/2014 07:59

Would be interested in any experiences of this....

We are thinking about adding a 4th bedroom to our 3 bed detached house, ideally with an ensuite. I've got as far as establishing this isn't permitted development and we will need planning permission but I've got no idea what is likely to be granted or refused.

Before we pay someone to do any drawings etc it would be good to know whether it would even be possible!

We are on an estate where all the houses are pretty close together. Both our house and our side neighbours' house come right up to the boundary. We want to put our extra bedroom on top of an already existing ground floor extension with comes out to the rear 3.5m along the boundary (to make the house L shape I suppose).

Will there be restrictions on us putting a second storey on top? Does anyone know about right to light or the 45 degree rule?

Sorry this is probably very boring, thank you for reading!

OP posts:

mandy214 · 13/05/2014 13:26

I think it depends where you are. Have any of the other houses been extended in the way you suggest? I know some councils have a pre-application advice line (ours doesn't) so you can ask for some guidance (although it is generally guidance only and no guarantee of getting permission). We are in a semi-detached house, and we were not allowed to extend within 2 metres of adjoining house at the back (double storey) although we could go right up to the boundary (where the 2 houses join) single storey, and even though we were allowed to have a double storey extension at the side of the house (i.e. down the driveway), we have to leave a metre between the extension and the fence. At the moment, we have 2.75m between our side wall and our fence, and then the (non-adjoining) neighbour has 2.75m between the fence and their side wall. We can only go out double storey 1.75m.

So I'd guess if you were in my LEA, you wouldn't be able to go double storey right to your boundary.

Pinkje · 13/05/2014 13:31

Has anyone on your estate done this? Have you looked at the planning portal for your local authority? You can put your postcode in and see if any other houses in your area have applied or are waiting. The information you can access is quite detailed.

Original poster

WineSpider · 13/05/2014 14:56

Hi, thank you for your replies.

Yes I have been looking at the national and local planning portal but it seems to only give specifics in relation to permitted development - I wish there was more guidance on what is always a no when it comes to planning so we know whether what we want to do is remotely possible or not!

Unfortunately I got in touch with the council's planning depsrtment but they said they don't provide free advice.

There's definitely a lot of houses on the estate that have bedroom extensions of some kind so at least there is a general precedent. I have put a note through the door of a house very similar to ours where they have done it to ask if I might be able to chat to them about it (haven't heard back yet so maybe it was cheeky to ask...).

I think the problem is that we are so close to next door - both our houses come right up to the boundary with about a metre between them!

If we can't do a rear 2nd story we might be able to put something on top of the garage at the side. Even though sgain it is v close, they only have a bathroom window on that side which I gather is not a "habitable" room.

I think it might be worth us speaking to an architect of planning consultant. Hmmm.

OP posts:

Original poster

WineSpider · 13/05/2014 15:02

Hi, thank you for your replies.

Unfortunately I got in touch with the council's planning depsrtment but they said they don't provide free advice.

I think the problem is that we are so close to next door - both our houses come right up to the boundary with about a metre between them!

I think it might be worth us speaking to an architect of planning consultant. Hmmm.

OP posts:

Original poster

WineSpider · 13/05/2014 15:03

Oops. Sorry, it was boring enough the first time!

OP posts:

Pinkje · 13/05/2014 16:30

If other houses on the estate have had to go through planning then this info should be accessible on the planning portal. Is there the option to search by post code? I'm in Scotland so maybe it's just here that does that... Your neighbour may well be in touch and save you the bother.

MrsJohnDeere · 13/05/2014 16:56

Will depend on whee you live.

Where we used to live the council wouldn't let people extend on top of existing extensions.

Original poster

WineSpider · 14/05/2014 17:51

Thank you for the suggestion - I've managed to look up some previous planning applications online. There is one house v similar to ours with the neighbours also very close who have done what we want to with a rear (and side) extension upstairs so that is encouraging. It was 10 years ago but I'm hoping it means there is a precedent. I think we will crack on!

OP posts:

BerylStreep · 14/05/2014 17:58

Speak to an architect. It will save you £££s in the long run.

SquidgyMaltLoaf · 14/05/2014 21:14

Second architect. They'll be able to give you an idea. I think you can sill go to 3m beyond original house for 2nd storey as part of permitted development if you're detached - have a look on the government planning portal website.

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