Extending a house to the front

juliebunny

Is it possible to have an extension on the front of a house? I'm in a staggered terrace and would like to build out on one side to where the neighbours house is. My house is side on to the road, second house in, but actually pedestrianised so doesn't really face the road on any side (why I bought it, away from the roads.) The rules say 'Your extension shouldn't be forward of the principal elevation of the house, ie the front, but also shouldn't be forward of the side of the house if this is what fronts the road.'
I've only seen one house on my estate extended to the front and that was only by about a metre (worth it??)

Seems to me that I can't extend but just wondered if anyone has any experience of these rules or could advise me a (cheap) way to go about finding out - do I just contact the local planning department (assume that's part of my local council.)

jellie

Are you sure you're not looking at permitted development rules?

When I was thinking about extending to the front, I completed a form to see if I could do it under permitted development and if not, I could opt for an informal view as to whether PP would be granted. I got the form from the local council website. Someone came out to have a look while I wasn't there, and I got the decision in writing. There was no cost.

My situation was a semi detached with integral garage. The garage extends about 6ft forwards beyond the rest of the house, so the front ground floor footprint is an L shape. I wanted a 1st floor extension to bring the rest of the house level with the garage. Apparently the garage isn't considered part of the house so couldn't be done under under permitted development. PP was necessary but I was told it would probably be granted.

So check with your council's planning dept - you'll lose nothing by asking.