Front Extension planning permission examples — what gets approved & refused

8,516 real decisions from 213 UK councils. See what actually gets approved, what gets refused, and why — so you don’t waste thousands on drawings for something your council will reject.

Last updated: March 2026

83.7%
approval rate across 8,516 decisions

That means roughly 1 in 6 front extension applications are refused — often due to avoidable design issues.

8,516
Decisions
7,126
Approved
1,390
Refused
213
Councils

Front extensions change the street scene, which is why they face higher scrutiny than rear or side extensions. They are never permitted development and always require a planning application.

What these results show

• Front extensions have one of the highest refusal rates of any extension type.
• Street scene impact is the number one refusal reason — councils protect visual consistency.
• Porches are treated differently to front extensions and often have permitted development rights.
• Where a neighbour has an approved front extension, your chances improve significantly — precedent matters here more than anywhere.
⚠️ These are national examples. Your council could be stricter — or more lenient. See what actually gets approved on your street →

Real front extension decisions

Real examples showing what works — and what gets refused. Use the filters to compare approved and refused applications.

Approved
Replacement of existing dual pitched roof with a raised pitched roof and a raised flat roof and erection of a single storey front extension.
Lancaster · Warton · Wed 20 Aug 2014
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Roof enlargement, loft conversion with dormer windows, alternations to porch, single storey front extension, garage conversion and external render.
Coventry · Earlsdon
Refused
To create an additional storey to existing bungalow, with part single storey front extension, f enestration alterations, and new render throughout, following the demolition of existing garage.
Liverpool · Gateacre
LIVE/0422/H/12
Approved
Demolition of existing front porch and front extension, erection of new porch, extension to house, formation of pitch roof over existing flat roof extension, cladding to house, window/door alterations and raising of wallhead of barn with new barn roof (grid ref. 299264 672276)
West Lothian · Linlithgow
Approved
Single storey front extension, change garage roof from flat to pitched, partial garage conversion & alterations - re-submission of H02-0607-23
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
25/0107/FULOPDC
Approved
Retrospective application for change of use of existing single-storey front extension of an industrial building to a restaurant (Use Class E(b)), together with the installation of outdoor seating enclosure, front canopy cover, ventilation flue, mechanical roof plant and associated works.
Opdc · 05/12/2025
S/05/39A
Approved
Householder planning permission for resubmission of S/05/39 for erection of front extension to extend existing bedroom and provide disabled access to the dwelling
Yorkshire Dales · 2021-11-16
▸ Accessibility needs strengthen the case for approval.
2012/03680/FUL
Approved
Change of use of a two storey office building (Class B1) to 1 x 2 bedroom dwelling (Class C3); reduction to ground floor front projection; erection of a front extension at first floor level over the remaining flat roof, including raising the building height; installation of new windows and door to t
Hammersmith · FULHAM REACH · 02/01/2013
▸ Two-storey approvals often involve setbacks from boundaries and matching materials.
7/2023/5442
Approved
Single storey front extension with porch replacing existing garage and porch; ra
Lake District · Ambleside & Grasmere Ward · 2023-09-05
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Approved
Single storey front extension with skylights, replace existing garage roof and clad front (east elevation).
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
13/00637/NMA
Approved
Non Material Amendment to 12/01501/PP (Erection of single storey front extension and alterations to fenestration including new openings and timber frames) - Change chimney from stainless steel to brick
Argyll Bute · Helensburgh Central
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Refused
Construct pitched roof over garage and single storey front extension
Broxtowe · Awsworth, Cossall & Trowell · Tue 21 Mar 2017
Refused
Alterations to existing garage to include roof lift to provide storage at first floor and installation of roof lights, erect single storey front extension to existing garage and various associated works
Nelincs · Immingham · Wed 07 Jun 2023
Two storey front extension with new roof light in existing roof.
Southdowns · Petersfield Heath Ward · Thu 14 Aug 2025
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Approved
Householder Application - Erection of single-storey front extension, to include: porch and storage area; and part conversion of existing garage.
Babergh · Stour · Mon 05 Jan 2026
Approved
Certificate of Lawfulness (Proposed): Alterations to existing building to construct a new roof with a reduction in overall ridge height by 350mm to give a maximum building height of 3550mm and the erection of single storey front extension to existing stable building to form gymnasium, games room WC
Lichfield · Alrewas And Fradley · Fri 31 Jan 2025
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Two storey front extension to create garage and bedroom above.
Nottingham2 · Sherwood (May 2019) · Wed 15 Jan 2020
▸ Two-storey approvals often involve setbacks from boundaries and matching materials.
Approved
TWO STOREY FRONT EXTENSION TO CONTAIN BEDROOM AND FAMILY ROOM
Cardiff · RADYR AND MORGANSTOWN · Mon 13 Aug 2007
▸ Two-storey approvals often involve setbacks from boundaries and matching materials.
Approved
Raising of the existing front extension roof and general re-roofing of the whole of the leisure centre building and associated works including replacement rainwater goods,
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Approved
CONSULTATION BY FENLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL: Erect a single-storey front extension to existing dwelling
Kingslynnwn · Mon 08 Jun 2020
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You’re looking at national data. 16% of front extension applications get refused — but that number could be higher or lower in your area.
See what gets approved near your home →
Approved
Single storey front extension for extended bathroom and porch
Bromsgroveandredditch · Greenlands And Lakeside · Tue 25 Mar 2025
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Demolish existing conservatory and replace with single storey front extension and front porch
Caerphilly · Abercarn · Thu 14 Jul 2022
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Refused
Non material minor amendment to DOV/22/00408 (Erection of a front extension and porch) to allow for increase the size of extension from 7m to 7.6m
Dover · Eastry Rural · Fri 22 Jul 2022
Refused
Variation of Condition 1 (Plans) in relation to approval LW/22/0347 to remove hipped end on front extension roof and replace with flat roof with dummy pitch to front elevation
Leweseastbourne · Peacehaven West · Thu 24 Apr 2025
Refused
Two storey front extension and conversion of garage to living accommodation
Rotherham · Sitwell · 2021-01-27
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Refused
Non-material amendment to planning permission DC/2023/01426 approved on 07/12/2023 to allow the change from white render to a grey brick finish on the front extension elevation.
Sefton · Birkdale Ward · Wed 04 Dec 2024
Garage conversion to habitable space. Front extension with bay window.
Garage conversion to habitable space. Front extension with bay window.
Garage conversion to habitable space. Front extension with bay window.
Refused
Replacement roof and single storey ground floor front extension including internal alterations
Winchester · ST BARNABAS WARD · Tue 23 Jul 2019
Approved
Single storey front extension to form larger enclosed entrance porch.
Bedford · Clapham & Oakley · Fri 20 Feb 2026
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Erection of 1.5 storey front extension, increase roof height, formation of front dormer and external alterations
East Ayrshire · Ballochmyle · Fri 10 Jun 2022
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
16/03708/NMV1
Approved
Single storey extension to front of dwellinghouse (Non-material variation to 16/03708/FULL for amendements to front extension)
Fife · Dunfermline Central
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
24/00176/FUL
Approved
Full planning application for the erection of a single storey front extension.
Lldc · 16/07/2024
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
23/01173/NMA
Approved
Non material amendment sought to planning permission ref 21/00484/FUL for alterations to roof of the front extension.
Southampton · Shirley
Approved
alterations and construction of single storey front extension
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed erection of a single storey front extension.
Surreyheath · Bagshot · Mon 13 Jul 2009
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Single storey front extension, formation of patio doors, decking and driveway at house
Angus_Old · Arbroath West And Letham · Thu 10 Nov 2022
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Discharge of conditions attached to planning consent 18/01738/FUL - Single storey front extension and alterations to one first floor window on the front elevation
Hambleton · Bagby & Thorntons · Fri 01 Feb 2019
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Erect single storey front extension with new porch, alter front elevation with new entrance door and windows
Southend · Thorpe · Mon 09 Feb 2026
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Submission of details to discharge condition No. 3 (material details) and condition No. 4 (cycle parking); imposed on planning permission reference PL/2024/0001708/FUL granted on 25/11/2024 to improve access with a single storey front extension, removing and replacing inappropriate elements and prov
Coventry · Earlsdon
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Approved
Single storey front extension, access ramp and replacement of garage door with window
Derbyshiredales · Norbury · Tue 12 Mar 2024
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
0302480
Approved
Demoltion of existing dwelling house at no. 24 and single storey front extension at no. 22 and erection of replacement 2 storey plus basement building to form one single dwelling house. Amendments to planning permission PP/02/01069 dated 11/10/02 alterations to front elevation to incorporate new int
Kensington · REDCLIFFE · 23/01/2004
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Approved
Joint planning application: Single storey front extensions to 112 and 114 Carpenders Avenue
Threerivers · Carpenders Park · Fri 11 Jan 2013
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Refused
Non Material Amendment to PA 21/01383/HSE Proposed Two and Single Storey Front Extension (Re-submission of 20/01687/HSE)
Bassetlaw · Everton · Fri 18 Feb 2022
Refused
Erection of single storey front extension to create all year round seating area with retractable roof and glazed walls.
Brighton4 · Wish · Fri 22 Nov 2024
Refused
CERTIFICATE OF LAWFUL DEVELOPMENT FOR PROPOSED TWO STOREY FRONT EXTENSION
Bury · Prestwich - Holyrood · Mon 27 Apr 2009
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Refused
Two storey front extension (revised scheme following refusal of application ref. 22/00219/FUL)
Cheltenham · St Peters · Fri 10 Jun 2022
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Refused
Two storey front extension (revised scheme following refusal of application ref. 22/00219/FUL)
Cheltenham2 · St Peters · Fri 10 Jun 2022
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
10/00667/FULL
Approved
Retrospective permission for front extension to allow roller shutter to be fitted
Dundee · Coldside
Approved
Erection of single storey front extension to dwellinghouse and erection of car port structure
North Ayrshire · North Coast And Cumbraes · Fri 18 Feb 2022
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Erection of first floor front extension over existing garage.
Stockton · Ingleby Barwick South · Thu 23 Oct 2025
6/9/24/011
Approved
Proposed single storey front extension and porch to north elevation.
Exmoor · 2024-08-01
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Erection of a two storey front extension and entrance canopy.
Maidstone · Hartlip, Newington And Upchurch · Wed 11 Feb 2026
▸ Two-storey approvals often involve setbacks from boundaries and matching materials.
Approved
Erection of a two storey front extension and entrance canopy.
Swale · Hartlip, Newington And Upchurch · Wed 11 Feb 2026
▸ Two-storey approvals often involve setbacks from boundaries and matching materials.
Approved
Erection of single storey front extension to form new reception including refurbishment and recladding of front elevation.
Blackpool · Clifton · Tue 09 Dec 2025
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Erect a single storey front extension at
Moray · Fochabers Lhanbryde · Tue 04 May 2021
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
21/0156/PA
Approved
Single storey front extension to dwelling
Pembrokeshire · Wiston · 2022-02-17
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
2008/1765
Approved
Erection of a single storey front extension to dwelling.
Barnsley · Central Ward · 5 January 2009
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
First floor front extension and new front porch canopy.
Chelmsford · Mon 09 Feb 2026

Before you spend £2,000+ on drawings — and risk getting refused

Your council may refuse the exact thing that got approved two boroughs away. See what actually gets approved near your property first.

See real decisions near your home →

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