Rear extensions are the bread and butter of UK planning — and one of the most common reasons homeowners face a refusal. Here's what 81 real decisions tell us about rear extension outcomes in West Lothian.
See your ward's approval rate and nearby planning decisions — free and instant.
Rear extensions sit in the middle of the pack nationally. They're common enough that councils have clear precedent — but that cuts both ways. If your neighbours have been refused, that precedent works against you too.
Two houses on the same street can get different outcomes.
Check your postcode to see what actually happens near your address.
Not all applications are treated equally. Here's how rear extensions stack up against other common projects in West Lothian.
| Type | Decisions | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Conservatory | 393 | 96.9% |
| Flat Conversion | 22 | 95.5% |
| Extension (General) | 3,886 | 95.2% |
| Rear Extension | 81 | 95.1% |
| Garage / Parking | 1,679 | 91.5% |
| Outbuilding | 466 | 88.8% |
| Dormer | 487 | 88.5% |
| Annex | 40 | 87.5% |
| Change of Use (Residential) | 1,235 | 85.0% |
| Side Extension | 39 | 84.6% |
| New Build | 658 | 84.5% |
4 rear extension applications in West Lothian have been refused since 2020. Many of those homeowners had already paid for drawings and application fees. A £79 report shows you what gets approved — and what gets refused — near your property.
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