Annexe Permitted Development: When Is an Annexe PD?
An annexe can be permitted development if it remains ancillary to the main house. Here’s the line between PD outbuilding and a separate dwelling needing planning.

Practical guidance on Permitted Development and householder projects in England — what the rules allow, what they limit, and what it means for your drawings.
Start with the PD guideOur detailed guidance pages, organised by the kind of project you are planning.
Permitted Development rulesThe limits that apply to each type of householder project.View articles
ExtensionsSingle storey rear, side and two storey rear extensions.View articles
Lofts and roofsLoft conversions, dormers and roof alterations.View articles
Garden buildingsOutbuildings, garden rooms and garages.View articles
Around the housePorches, conservatories, windows and doors.View articles
Boundaries and outsideFences, walls, gates, patios and driveways.View articles From our Permitted Development and planning article library.
An annexe can be permitted development if it remains ancillary to the main house. Here’s the line between PD outbuilding and a separate dwelling needing planning.
A garden annexe usually needs planning permission as it creates a new dwelling. Here’s when it can be permitted development and what councils look for.
Most granny flats need planning permission — they create a separate dwelling. Find out when an annexe is permitted development and when you need to apply.
The larger home extension scheme allows rear extensions up to 8m (detached) or 6m via prior approval. Here’s how the neighbour consultation process works.
Prior approval only assesses specified matters — unlike planning permission which considers everything. Here’s exactly how they differ and which is faster and more predictable.
An Article 4 Direction removes permitted development rights from an area, requiring planning permission for works that would normally be PD. Here’s how they work and where they apply.
PERMITTED HOMEOWNER GUIDES
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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Rules, design options, costs and next steps.
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