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Permitted development research

Works or changes of use allowed without a full planning application — if conditions are met.

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In plain English

Some extensions and changes of use don't need full planning permission because national rules already allow them. But the rules have limits and conditions, and councils can remove them in some areas (Article 4 directions). Conservation areas and listed buildings have extra restrictions.

Switch to professional for underwriting detail.

Capital requirements

Varies; savings come from avoiding full planning risk.

Cost assumptions to budget for

  • Prior approval or LDC fees
  • Design and building regulations

Potential returns

Value uplift from added space or new units.

Main risks

  • Rights removed by Article 4 or conditions
  • Exceeding limits
  • Prior approval refused

Legal checks

  • Covenants may still prohibit works
  • Leasehold consents

Regulatory checks

  • Building regulations still apply
  • Space standards apply to PD residential conversions

Is it suitable?

Often suits

  • Value-add investors

Usually not suitable for

  • Listed buildings (listed building consent needed)

A general guide, not a personal recommendation. Suitability depends on your finances, experience and attitude to risk.

Step-by-step

  1. Check constraints in the Plotlumen report (conservation, listed, Article 4).
  2. Confirm the PD class and limits.
  3. Apply for prior approval or an LDC.
  4. Proceed with building regulations.

Financial calculations

Total sale value of the finished units — use sold evidence.

Get a cost consultant or contractor estimate.

SDLT, legal and agent fees on the land.

Development appraisal (residual land value)

Build cost£855,000
Professional fees£85,500
Contingency£64,125
Sales costs£30,000
Build finance (approx.)£52,743
Target profit£240,000
Residual before land costs−£167,368
Maximum land price£0
Land costs and finance£0
  • ⚠ The scheme does not reach the target profit at any land price with these inputs.
  • ⚠ A simplified appraisal. Lenders and valuers use full cashflow appraisals; planning permission is not assumed.

Every figure above comes from the assumptions you entered. This is not a valuation, mortgage offer or financial advice.

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Official sources

Last reviewed 31 Oct 2026. Rules change — check the source before relying on this guide.

Not advice

This guide is general research. It is not legal, tax, financial, planning or investment advice. Speak to a qualified, regulated professional before acting.