Permitted Development Rules 2026: Complete Reference
This page is a quick-reference summary of the permitted development rules and limits for homeowners in England, current as of 2026. It covers every relevant GPDO class with the key thresholds you need to know.
For detailed guidance on any class, follow the links to our full guides. For an instant check of your specific project, use our free PD checker.
Important: Permitted development removes the need for planning permission only. Most PD projects still require separate building regulations approval. See our building regulations guide for details.
Last updated: April 2026
What changed in 2025–2026
The most recent significant changes to permitted development rules for homeowners include:
- Planning fees increased on 1 April 2026 — fees rise by 3.8% (CPI) each April under the indexation system introduced in 2025. From April 2026: householder applications £548, prior approval (LHE) £249, prior approval (Class AA) £260, LDC proposed £274, LDC existing £309
- Larger Home Extension scheme made permanent — the temporary provision allowing single-storey rear extensions up to 6m (semi/terrace) or 8m (detached) via prior approval is now a permanent part of the GPDO
- Class AA (additional storeys) — introduced in 2020, this class allows upward extensions to certain dwellings via prior approval. It remains in effect with the original conditions
No new householder PD classes have been added in 2025–2026. The rules below reflect the current position.
Class A — Extensions (rear and side)
Class A covers the enlargement, improvement, or other alteration of a dwellinghouse, including rear and side extensions.
| Rule | Detached | Semi / Terrace |
|---|---|---|
| Max rear depth (single-storey) | 4m | 3m |
| Max rear depth (prior approval) | 8m | 6m |
| Max rear depth (two-storey) | 3m | 3m |
| Max eaves height | 3m | 3m |
| Max overall height (single-storey) | 4m | 4m |
| Max side extension width | Half original width | Half original width |
| Total coverage (all extensions + outbuildings) | 50% of curtilage | 50% of curtilage |
Two-storey extensions must be at least 7m from the rear boundary and cannot be within 2m of a side boundary. Materials must be similar in appearance to the existing house.
Read the full rear extension guide | Use the extension depth calculator
Class B — Loft conversions and roof additions
Class B covers additions or alterations to the roof, including dormer windows and hip-to-gable conversions.
| Rule | Detached / Semi | Terrace |
|---|---|---|
| Max additional volume | 50m³ | 40m³ |
| Max height above existing ridge | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Side-facing dormers | Obscure glass, non-opening below 1.7m | Same |
| Roof materials | Similar appearance to existing | Same |
On designated land, dormers on the principal elevation or a side elevation facing a highway are not permitted development. Hip-to-gable conversions on side elevations are also excluded on designated land.
Read the full loft conversion guide | Use the loft volume calculator
Class E — Outbuildings
Class E covers buildings incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse, including sheds, garden offices, gyms, and garages (where not attached to the house).
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max ridge height (within 2m of boundary) | 2.5m |
| Max ridge height (dual-pitched, not near boundary) | 4m |
| Max ridge height (other, not near boundary) | 3m |
| Max eaves height | 2.5m |
| Max footprint on designated land | 10m² |
| Total coverage (all buildings) | 50% of curtilage |
Outbuildings must be for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the house. They cannot contain sleeping accommodation on designated land. They cannot be forward of the principal elevation.
Read the full outbuilding guide | Use the outbuilding calculator
Classes C, D, F, and AA
Class C — Rooflights: Rooflights and Velux windows must not protrude more than 150mm beyond the roof plane. On a side elevation, they must be obscure-glazed and non-opening below 1.7m from the floor. Full guide.
Class D — Porches: The porch must not exceed 3m² in floor area, 3m in height, and must be at least 2m from any boundary that fronts a highway. Full guide.
Class F — Hard surfaces: Driveways and patios are PD if the surface is permeable (porous material or drainage to a pervious area). Impermeable surfaces over 5m² that drain onto the highway require planning permission. Full guide.
Class AA — Additional storeys: Allows the construction of up to two additional storeys on detached houses (or one on semis/terraces) via prior approval. Strict height limits apply, and the property must have been built between 1 July 1948 and 28 October 2018. Full guide.
Key fees
| Application type | Fee (April 2026) |
|---|---|
| Householder planning application | £548 |
| Prior approval (Larger Home Extension, Class A) | £249 |
| Prior approval (Additional Storey, Class AA) | £260 |
| Lawful Development Certificate (proposed) | £274 |
| Lawful Development Certificate (existing) | £309 |
| New dwelling (per unit, 1–9) | £610 |
| Discharge of conditions (householder) | £90 |
For a complete cost breakdown including architect and consultant fees, see our planning permission cost guide. Use our planning fee calculator for an instant fee lookup.
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