Kitchen design
Kitchen Extensions and Orangeries: What You Can Build Without Planning Permission
A single-storey rear extension can often go up to 3 or 4 metres without full planning permission. The limits, exceptions and design choices.
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Extending at the back is the most common way to get a bigger kitchen in a British house. Many single-storey extensions fall under permitted development, which means they do not need a full planning application, but the limits are strict.
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Permitted development limits (England)
| Extension | Limit |
|---|---|
| Single-storey rear, detached house | Up to 4 m beyond the original rear wall |
| Single-storey rear, other houses | Up to 3 m |
| With prior approval from the council | Up to 8 m (detached) or 6 m (other houses) |
| Height of a single-storey rear extension | No more than 4 m |
| Side extension | Single storey, up to 4 m high and no wider than half the original house |
These rights apply to houses only, not flats or maisonettes, and they can be removed or restricted by planning conditions or an Article 4 Direction. Listed buildings and designated areas have further restrictions. Always check with your council, and remember that Building Regulations approval is a separate requirement.
Extension styles
| Style | Character |
|---|---|
| Orangery | Brick piers with a glazed roof lantern; feels like part of the house |
| Conservatory | Mostly glass; light but can overheat and get cold |
| Side-return | Fills the narrow alley beside a terraced house |
| Solid-roof extension with rooflights | Most like a normal room |
Planning the new kitchen inside? Start with kitchen layouts and kitchen heating options.
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Frequently asked questions
How far can I extend without planning permission?
In England, a single-storey rear extension can usually go up to 4 m beyond the original rear wall of a detached house, or 3 m for other houses, under permitted development. With prior approval from the council these become 8 m and 6 m.
Do flats have permitted development rights for extensions?
No. These householder rights apply to houses only, not flats or maisonettes.
Do I need Building Regulations approval for an extension?
Usually, yes. Permitted development covers planning only; Building Regulations are a separate requirement for structure, insulation, drainage and safety.
Sources
- Extensions: planning permission, Planning Portal. Checked 5 October 2026.