Do I need planning permission for an extension in Dudley?

If you are planning an extension to your home in Dudley, it is important to understand whether planning permission is required. In many cases, house extensions can be built without planning permission, but this depends on the size, position, and design of the extension, as well as the type of property.

Dudley follows the planning rules set out for England, which are enforced locally by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.

Permitted development rights in Dudley

Most houses in Dudley benefit from permitted development rights. These rights allow certain types of extensions to be built without applying for planning permission, provided specific limits and conditions are met.

Permitted development applies only to houses. Flats, maisonettes, converted buildings, and commercial properties do not have these rights.

When planning permission is not required

Planning permission is not required for an extension if it meets all permitted development rules.

These include:

• The extension does not extend beyond the principal elevation facing a highway

• The extension does not cover more than 50 percent of the land around the original house

• A single storey rear extension does not exceed 4 metres in depth for a detached house or 3 metres for other houses

• A double storey rear extension does not extend more than 3 metres from the rear wall

• The extension is no higher than the highest part of the existing roof

• Materials used are similar in appearance to the existing house

• Side extensions are single storey only and no wider than half the width of the original house

If all conditions are met, the extension can be built under permitted development.

Larger home extensions

Some larger rear extensions may be allowed under the larger home extension scheme. This allows deeper rear extensions, subject to a prior approval process with Dudley Council.

Neighbours are notified, and the council considers the impact on amenity.

This process is not full planning permission, but it is still a formal application and approval is required before work begins.

When planning permission is required

Planning permission is required if:

• The extension exceeds permitted development limits

• The property is a flat, maisonette, or converted building

• The house is in a conservation area and restrictions apply

• Permitted development rights have been removed by an Article 4 Direction

• The extension significantly alters the appearance of the house

In these cases, a full planning application must be submitted to Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.

Building regulations approval

Planning permission and building regulations approval are separate requirements. Even if planning permission is not needed, building regulations approval is still required for most extensions. This ensures the extension meets safety, structural, energy efficiency, and drainage standards.

Lawful Development Certificate

If you are building under permitted development, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate. This is not compulsory, but it provides written confirmation from the council that the extension is lawful. It is often useful when selling the property.

Getting professional advice

Planning rules can be detailed, and mistakes can be costly. Before starting work, it is advisable to check your proposal against current permitted development rules or seek professional advice. Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council can also confirm whether planning permission is required for your specific project.