Add an extension to your house

If you want to add an extension to your house, you should first check if you need to apply for planning permission.

Permitted development

You don't need to apply for planning permission if the extension meets certain rules. This is called 'permitted development'.

The rules for permitted development depend on how many storeys (levels) your extension will have.

Single-storey extensions

If your extension will have one storey, you don't need planning permission as long as:

• it's located at the back of the house
• it doesn't go back further than 3 metres if it's a terraced house, or 4 metres if it isn't
• the height of the eaves (where the wall meets the roof) is no higher than 3 metres
• it's not higher than 4 metres, including sloping roofs
• it doesn't cover more ground area than your house does
• it doesn't take up half the 'curtilage' – the grounds behind your home
• it isn't within a conservation area

Multi-storey extensions

If your extension will have more than one storey, you don't need to apply for planning permission for it as long as:

• it's located at the back of the house
• there's at least 10 metres between the extension and the boundaries of your grounds
• it isn't higher than your house (excluding chimneys)
• it doesn't cover more ground area than your original house does
• it doesn't take up half the 'curtilage' – the grounds behind your home
• it isn't within a conservation area

For a more detailed explanation of what's considered a permitted development when adding an extension to your house, read the Scottish Government's Guidance on Householder Permitted Development rights publication and go to section 4.11.

Planning permission

If the extension you want to build doesn't meet the conditions for permitted development, you have to apply for planning permission.

Read our guide on how to apply for planning permission, or contact your local council for further information.

Other approvals

You might need other approvals before you can carry out work. For example, you might need approval under the building regulations from the local council.

If you don't own the land on which the development is being carried out (for example, if you're a tenant or the land's in joint ownership), you may need to get the landowner's permission.

If you live in a listed building you will probably also need to obtain listed building consent.

It's your responsibility to make sure you get any necessary approval.