Do I Need Planning Permission for a House Extension in Macclesfield?

Whether you need planning permission for a house extension in Macclesfield depends on several factors: the size and position of the extension, the type of property, and whether any previous permitted development rights have been used or removed. This guide explains the key rules clearly, with specific reference to Cheshire East Council requirements.

Planning Permission and Permitted Development: What's the Difference?

These are two separate things that are often confused:

• Planning permission is a formal consent granted by Cheshire East Council following an application. It is required when your project does not fall within permitted development rights.
• Permitted development (PD) rights allow certain types of work to be carried out without a planning application, provided the work stays within defined limits and conditions set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.
• Building Regulations approval is a separate requirement that applies regardless of whether planning permission is needed. It covers structural safety, fire safety, insulation, drainage and other technical standards.

When Can You Extend Under Permitted Development?

For a standard house (not a flat, maisonette or listed building), permitted development rights allow extensions within certain limits. The key rules for single-storey rear extensions are:

• The extension must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 4 metres for a detached house, or 3 metres for any other house.
• The height must not exceed 4 metres.
• The extension must not be higher than the highest part of the existing roof.
• No more than half the area of land around the original house may be covered by extensions or outbuildings.
• Materials should be similar in appearance to the existing house.

For two-storey extensions, the rules are more restrictive: the extension must not extend beyond the rear wall by more than 3 metres, and must be at least 7 metres from the rear boundary.

The Larger Home Extension Scheme (Prior Approval)

Since 2020, larger single-storey rear extensions have been possible under a "prior approval" process. This allows extensions of up to 8 metres for detached houses and 6 metres for other houses, subject to a neighbour consultation process and Cheshire East Council's prior approval. This is not the same as full planning permission but does require a formal application.

When Is Planning Permission Always Required?

• The extension exceeds the permitted development size limits.
• The property is a listed building (all works require listed building consent and usually planning permission).
• The property is in a conservation area and the extension would be visible from a highway.
• Permitted development rights have been removed by an Article 4 Direction or a planning condition on the original property.
• The extension is to a flat or maisonette.
• The extension would be forward of the principal elevation.

Conservation Areas in Macclesfield

Macclesfield has several designated conservation areas. If your property is within one, permitted development rights are more restricted. Side extensions visible from a highway, for example, require planning permission in a conservation area. Cheshire East Council's planning portal allows you to check whether your property falls within a conservation area.

Lawful Development Certificates

Even when planning permission is not required, it can be worth applying for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) from Cheshire East Council. This provides written confirmation that your extension is lawful under permitted development. It is particularly useful when you come to sell the property, as solicitors and buyers will want evidence that the work was carried out lawfully.

Building Regulations: Always Required

Regardless of whether planning permission is needed, Building Regulations approval is required for virtually all house extensions. This is a separate process managed by Building Control (either Cheshire East Council's Building Control team or an approved inspector). Building Regulations cover structural safety, fire safety, thermal insulation, drainage, ventilation and other technical requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions