Permitted Development (PD) rights let you build certain extensions without a full planning application — provided you stay within specific size, height, materials and location rules. Most homeowners can save 8–12 weeks and £400–£600 in fees by using PD where eligible.
Single-storey rear extensions: up to 4m deep on a detached house, 3m on a semi or terrace. Eaves height max 3m within 2m of a boundary, 4m otherwise. Materials must match the existing house.
Larger Home Extension scheme allows 8m / 6m via a faster 'prior approval' process — quicker and cheaper than full planning, but requires neighbour consultation.
Article 4 directions and conservation areas remove PD rights in many parts of the West Midlands — particularly Harborne, central Edgbaston and parts of Lichfield. Always check before relying on PD.