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.
Real examples showing what works — and what gets refused. Use the filters to compare approved and refused applications.
Seeing similar front extensions refused? Your property might be in a stricter area — or these patterns might not apply locally. See your local approval pattern →
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.
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)
▸ 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.
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
▸ 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
▸ 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
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
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
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,
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
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.
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
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
▸ 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