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This month we catch up with Julia Riddle, one of Build It’s planning experts, to decipher what kinds of project can be completed without planning consent under so-called permitted development rights
Julia Riddle
This loft conversion scheme in London by Satish Jassal Architects (
www.satishjassal.co.uk) was completed under permitted development rights
What is PD and how does it differ from planning permission?
Essentially, it is work you can achieve without the need for planning consent. When you require formal permission for a building scheme, you have to go through the process of making an application. The council will consider this and take a view on whether your proposal is appropriate. However, there are certain projects you can undertake without the need to go down this route – and they fall under permitted development (PD) rights. There are circumstances where these entitlements don’t apply, but in cases where they do, there’s a reasonable amount that can be done to your house. This includes extensions, loft conversions, changing windows and various alterations to the interior and exterior.