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Larger Home Extension Scheme: The 8m Rule Explained

Larger Home Extension Scheme: The 8m Rule Explained

Permitted Development drawings

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PERMITTED HOMEOWNER GUIDES

Planning a home project?
Start with a £15 guide.

Our illustrated, practical guides help you understand the rules, explore design options and budget with confidence — before you commit to building work.

  • Porch Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Porch Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

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  • Garage Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Garage Guide

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  • Garden Room Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Garden Room Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

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  • Rear Extension Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Rear Extension Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

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  • Side Extension Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Side Extension Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

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  • Conservatory Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Conservatory Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

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  • Two Storey Rear Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Two Storey Rear Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

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  • Loft Conversion Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Loft Conversion Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

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8 project-specific guidesClear, jargon-free explanations£15 off matching drawing packages

Planning Rules

Larger Home Extension Scheme: The 8m Rule Explained

The Larger Home Extension Scheme allows single-storey rear extensions up to 8m (detached) or 6m without full planning permission — but neighbours can object. Here’s how it works.

⏱ 7 min read📅 Updated October 2026🏠 England only

Quick Answer

The Larger Home Extension Scheme allows single-storey rear extensions up to 8m (detached) or 6m (other) with neighbour notification

The Larger Home Extension Scheme (also called the Neighbour Consultation Scheme) is part of Part 1, Class A of the GPDO 2015. It permits single-storey rear extensions beyond the standard 4m/3m limit — up to 8m for detached houses and 6m for all other dwellinghouses — subject to a prior approval process where neighbours can object. If a neighbour objects and the council considers the impact unacceptable, the larger extension may be refused. If no objections are received, the extension can proceed. The scheme applies to England only.

Ready to build? Our Single Storey Rear Extension drawing package is designed to these limits — £900 fixed price, emailed to you as a PDF. See the rear extension rules summary.

Standard Allowance vs Larger Home Extension Scheme

Route Depth Limit
Standard PD (Class A) Detached houses: 4m. All other houses: 3m. No prior approval needed.
Larger Home Extension Scheme Detached houses: up to 8m. All other houses: up to 6m. Prior approval required.
Both Maximum height 4m. Single storey only. Cannot be within 2m of a boundary if over 3m height.

How the Neighbour Consultation Process Works

  1. Submit a prior approval application to the council before starting work
  2. The council notifies adjoining neighbours (21 days to object)
  3. If no objections, the extension can proceed
  4. If objections received, council assesses amenity impact only (42-day determination period)
⚠️ You MUST apply before starting work. Building under the Larger Home Extension Scheme without prior approval first is a breach.

What Counts as a Valid Objection?

The council can only assess the impact on the amenity of the adjoining premises: loss of daylight, overlooking, and visual dominance. It cannot refuse on design, property value, or other grounds.

✅ In most cases, extensions of up to 6-8m are approved. Always discuss proposals with neighbours before applying.

Other Conditions That Still Apply

  • Maximum height 4m
  • Single storey only
  • No part within 2m of a boundary if over 3m in height at eaves
  • Not to extend beyond the side elevation of the original house
  • Materials to match the exterior
  • Not in a conservation area

FAQs

Can I extend 8 metres without planning permission?
Yes — under the Larger Home Extension Scheme (Part 1, Class A GPDO 2015), a detached house can have a single-storey rear extension of up to 8m. You need prior approval from the council first, and the scheme is not available in conservation areas or other designated (article 2(3)) land, or on a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Does the 8m rule apply to semi-detached houses?
No — semi-detached and terraced houses can only extend up to 6m under the Larger Home Extension Scheme.

Planning a rear extension?

Our Single Storey Rear Extension drawing package is pre-designed to the permitted development limits and supplied exactly as sold — £900 fixed price, emailed to you as a PDF.

See the Single Storey Rear Extension package →

Check my property and start my project · Read the rear extension rules

Planning a project? Browse our permitted development drawing sets — fixed price, supplied exactly as sold and emailed to you as a PDF.

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PERMITTED HOMEOWNER GUIDES

Planning a home project?
Start with a £15 guide.

Our illustrated, practical guides help you understand the rules, explore design options and budget with confidence — before you commit to building work.

  • Porch Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Porch Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

    View guide
  • Garage Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Garage Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

    View guide
  • Garden Room Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Garden Room Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

    View guide
  • Rear Extension Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Rear Extension Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

    View guide
  • Side Extension Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Side Extension Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

    View guide
  • Conservatory Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Conservatory Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

    View guide
  • Two Storey Rear Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Two Storey Rear Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

    View guide
  • Loft Conversion Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Loft Conversion Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

    View guide
8 project-specific guidesClear, jargon-free explanations£15 off matching drawing packages

Maximize your property’s footprint with precision and ease. Permitted provides complete design for Permitted Development Rights. Our packages are designed around the Permitted Development limits, so many projects can proceed without a full planning application. 
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