Permitted development — when you don’t need to apply
Permitted development is a national framework that applies across England, enforced locally by Warrington Borough Council. If your proposed extension fits within PD limits, you can build without a planning application.
Single-storey rear kitchen extension under PD in Warrington Borough:
- Depth: up to 4m from the original rear wall for a detached house; up to 3m for a semi or terrace
- Height: eaves no higher than 3m if within 2m of a boundary; overall height no more than 4m
- Materials: exterior finishes to be similar in appearance to the existing house
- Footprint: the extension plus any previous additions must cover no more than 50% of the original garden/curtilage
Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate anyway. Even when you’re confident the extension is PD, Warrington Borough issues a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) confirming the work is lawful. It’s a fraction of the cost of a full planning application and solicitors expect to see it when you later sell. Well worth the modest fee.
Where PD rights don’t apply in Warrington Borough:
- Conservation areas — Stockton Heath, Lymm, Latchford, Grappenhall & Thelwall, town centre and others have reduced PD rights
- Listed buildings — no PD rights; full planning plus Listed Building Consent required
- Article 4 directions — localised removal of PD rights, common in sensitive heritage streets
- Flats, maisonettes, houses in multiple occupation — different rules
- Previous extensions already having used the PD allowance