Find out what you can do to your home without the need to apply for planning permission Whether you’re simply looking to improve your existing house or carry out major works to one you’re intending to buy, it pays to understand the scope of the available Permitted Development rights. They are granted in the form of General Development Planning Orders (GDPOs) which apply separately to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and, in effect, they give implied planning con

1. The ‘Right to Light’ Exists in Law Your neighbour may attempt to block your plans by claiming they have a legal right to light to one or more of their windows. There is such a thing as a legally established ‘right to light’, usually estab­­lished auto­matically ‘by prescription’ after 20 years, however, it is only relevant in limited circum­stances. A right to light is a type of easement and overrides any planning permission you might have and your permitted develop­ment r

1. Keep your extension design simple Curves and corners are costly to build, so keep your extension design as simple as possible. A rectangular or square footprint with a simple pitched roof will be cheapest. Design the build around off-the-shelf products, such as standard-size doors and windows. Avoid any products that have to be made to order; choose materials that are readily available and easy to use. So, stick to cast concrete for the sub-floor; concrete blockwork for th

Removed old 11 degree roof that was badly damaged and installed New 19 degree roof and box gutter. (Half way through completion)