Add an extension to your house (rules in Scotland)

Before adding an extension to your house, it's important to determine whether you need to apply for planning permission or if your extension falls under the category of 'permitted development,' which doesn't require formal approval.

 

For single-storey extensions, you won't need planning permission if the following conditions are met:

• The extension is positioned at the back of the house.

• It doesn't extend beyond 3 meters for a terraced house or 4 meters for other types of houses.

• The height of the eaves (where the wall meets the roof) doesn't exceed 3 meters.

• The overall height of the extension, including sloping roofs, doesn't exceed 4 meters.

• The extension doesn't cover more ground area than your existing house.

• It doesn't occupy more than half of the grounds behind your home (curtilage).

• The property is not located within a conservation area.

 

For multi-storey extensions, planning permission is not required if the following conditions are met:

• The extension is situated at the back of the house.

• There's a minimum distance of 10 meters between the extension and the boundaries of your property.

• The height of the extension, excluding chimneys, does not exceed the height of your house.

• It doesn't cover more ground area than your original house.

• It doesn't occupy more than half of the grounds behind your home (curtilage).

• The property is not located within a conservation area

 

 

These rules applies to Scotland only. Always verify with your local council's planning department to determine whether you need to apply for planning permission. Even if planning permission is not required, other approvals might still be necessary for your extension project. Being informed and complying with regulations will help ensure a smooth and legal extension process.