The amendments to the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) have been published today. Amendments to home extensions are as follows:
- The amendments come into force on the 30th May 2013 and will expire currently on the 30th May 2016.
- The amendments do not apply if the dwellinghouse is on article 1(5). Article 1(5) land’ – is land within a National Park, the Broads, an area of outstanding natural beauty, an area designated as a conservation area, and land within World Heritage Sites.
- Extension has to be single storey.
- Can extend beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse by no more than 8 metres for a detached dwelling and 6 metres in any other case.
- Cannot exceed 4 metres in height.
Requirements
Before development is commenced, the developer must provide the following to the local planning authority:
- A written description of the proposed development. This must include;
- how far the enlarged part of the dwellinghouse extends beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse;
- the maximum height of the enlarged part of the dwellinghouse; and
- the height of the eaves of the enlarged part of the dwellinghouse;
- A plan indicating the site and showing the proposed development.
- The addresses of any adjoining premises.
- The developer’s contact address and email address if the developer wishes to communicate electronically.
Neighbours
Once the above criteria has been submitted to the local planning authority (LPA), they will then notify any adjoining neighbours about the proposed development by serving them a notice. This will include measurements of the proposal.
The neighbours will then have 21 days from the date of the notice to make any representations to the LPA. If any objection is received from an adjoining neighbour, prior approval of the LPA is then required as to the impact of the proposed development on the amenity of any adjoining premises.
Outcome
The development shall not be commenced before one of the below is received;
- the receipt by the developer from the local planning authority of a written notice that their prior approval is not required;
- the receipt by the developer from the local planning authority of a written notice giving their prior approval; or
- the expiry of 42 days following the date on which the developer proposal information was received by the local planning authority without the local planning authority notifying the developer as to whether prior approval is given or refused.
The above constitutes a quick summary of the amendments, so we strongly recommend looking at the statutory instrument which can be accessed by the link below for confirmation. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1101/article/4/made