Building a home extension is a popular way to add space to your home.

If you are carrying out your work under Permitted Development, you will be expected to build in the same material as the existing dwelling. This must be done carefully, perhaps requiring you to source reclaimed materials to get a good match, or tint the bricks for a seamless look.

Alternatively, you could design an addition in a contrasting style. This makes a statement and can be easier to achieve success with than trying to match old and new.

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Rear Extension?

If your home is not in a conservation are or restricted by Listed Building consent , you may find your rear extension falls under Permitted Development.
This means that you can extend up to 8m from the original rear wall of your property on a detached home, or up to 6m on a semi detached or terraced home. In either case, your extension must not be higher than 4m. There are further restrictions if your project is to sit within 2m of a boundary (in this case the eaves must not be higher than 3m).

These measurements apply to single-storey extension only, but some two-storey additions are allowed too.