New planning regulations - what is the principal elevation?

[ChasingSquirrels]

Thinking about having an extension on the front of the house.

Planning portal says (amongst other things which we comply with);
No extension forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway.

House is basically oblong, but comes out about 6 feet in the middle, so a bit like this;

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The bit that comes out at the front isn't just a porch, it is 2-storey and part of the original house, the bathroom is in the upstairs bit and the downstairs loo and start of the hall in the downstairs bit.

Is the principal elevation the bit nearest the road that sticks out or the <span class="italic">main</span> bit of the house.

If it is relevant the extension (single storey only) will change it to this;

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Doesn't come out well on preview, but should give the gist.
Will write to planning officer to enquire, but wondered if anyone had any inside info?

Thanks.

Hiya. Oh the joys of planning officers! Actually, you'll probably get many of your basic questions answered more quickly if you ring them up or make an appointment and go and see them. DP(builder)favours this approach first - saves your letter/email being filed!

Has anyone else on your road done something similar? You can usually get a feel for what's possible by what others have done. Planning are usually more touchy about changing the frontage - whereas the back is obviously less likely to disturb the look of the road.

Just asked DP about what is classed as the principle elevation and for buildings he's worked on it's usually where the main windows are. Although he's just said that planning is all subject to change, trends etc - unless it's listed.

thanks, no one has done the same - only us and next door are the same, and houses only about 10 years old.
Windows interesting, sticky out bit has door at the bottom and big window (bathroom) at the top.
Will write with details and pics then phone pretty quickly so that they will at least have details to hand when talking.