Rear Extension planning permission examples — what gets approved & refused
370,451 real decisions from 258 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
82.1%
approval rate across 370,451 decisions
That means roughly 1 in 6 rear extension applications are refused — often due to avoidable design issues.
370,451
Decisions
304,281
Approved
66,170
Refused
258
Councils
Rear extensions are the most common home extension in the UK — but not all get approved. Designs that are too deep, too tall, or too close to a neighbour are refused every day.
What these results show
• Most rear extensions are approved — but not all designs succeed.
• Two-storey and deeper extensions (over 4–5m) face significantly more scrutiny.
• Refusals most often cite neighbour impact: loss of light, overlooking, or overbearing scale.
• The same design can be approved in one council and refused in the next — local precedent matters more than national averages.
⚠️ These are national examples. Your council could be stricter — or more lenient. See what actually gets approved on your street →
Real rear extension decisions
Real examples showing what works — and what gets refused. Use the filters to compare approved and refused applications.
Approved
Demolition of existing conservatory and single storey kitchen at rear of property. Erection of single storey rear extension to include a flat roof design with feature roof lantern and separate flat roof light. Brickwork to match existing.
▸ Matching existing materials and design helps approval chances.
Approved
Prior approval for a larger home extension for a single storey pitched roofed rear extension, 6.00 metres deep from the original rear elevation, 3.50 metres maximum height measured externally from the natural ground level, 2.40 metres high at the eaves measured externally from the natural ground lev
▸ Prior approval applications that meet the criteria are rarely refused.
Approved
Removal Of Existing Flat Roof To Rear Extension and Installation Of Replacement Pitched Roof And Rooflights, Alterations And Installation Of Stair To Provide Access To First Floor Storage Area
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Approved
Garage conversion with the replacement of existing garage door to a window. The erection of a single storey rear extension. A loft conversion with rear dormer roof extension.
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
09/199/LB
Refused
Expose stone gable and frontage with lime mortar repairs; wet harl outbuildings and extensions; re-roof with slate and stone; internal alterations including new toilets; convert outhouse to kitchen/dining area; add scullery and two storey rear extension; and demolish part of outbuilding to form cour
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Approved
NON MATERIAL VARIATION TO PLANNING PERMISSION 22/0565/FUL FOR SINGLE STOREY REAR EXTENSION TO HAVE FIBRE CEMENT SLATE COVERING, UPVC RAINWATER GOODS, VENT FOR AGA TO BE INCORPORATED INTO EXTERNAL WALLING AND ROOFLIGHT OPENINGS TO EXTENSION TO BE REDUCED TO TWO, FINISHED WITH CONSERVATION STYLE ROOFL
▸ Sympathetic design in conservation areas can still get approved.
Approved
Application to Determine if Prior Approval is Required for a Proposed Larger Home Extension - single storey rear extension measuring 3m in depth, 2.9m high and 2.4m at the eaves, assessed under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) Schedule 2
▸ Modest single-storey extensions within typical depth limits have strong approval rates.
Approved
Consultation from Waverley Borough Council for the erection of a single storey rear extension which would extend 8 M beyond the rear wall of the original house for which the height would be 4.00 M and for which the height of the eaves would be 2.60 M.
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
T1 - Yew - Crown lift by 0.5m and crown thin by 20%. T2 - Ash - Reduce branches overhanging road side by 1m. T3 - Beech - Reduce 4 branches overhanging conservatory/rear extension by 1.5 metres.
Approved
.Erection of replacement single storey rear extension (3.375m x 8.877m x 2.55m height to eaves/3.5m max height).
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
12/03025/LBC
Approved
Replace 2 no front roof windows with Conservation style roof windows, front PVCu door with timber panelled door, exisiting PVCu gutters, downpipes, clips and fittings with cast iron, rear extension concrete tiles with spanish grey slate roof tiles, complete interior rewire, repair internal plasterwo
▸ Sympathetic design in conservation areas can still get approved.
Approved
Alter and extend dwellinghouse over-clad existing flat roof side and rear extension re-instate double garage and fit ASHP at
R24/0732
Approved
Prior approval for a single storey flat roof rear extension.
▸ Prior approval applications that meet the criteria are rarely refused.
Approved
Lawful Development: Single storey rear extension, 4m projection
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Erection of a single storey side extension including connection to existing detached garage, part single/part two storey rear extension together with amendments to roof of existing garage
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Refused
Single and two storey rear extensions to the dwellinghouse and construction of a garden room using the existing detached garage footprint.
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Refused
Single Storey Rear extension. Extension will extend 6.0m from original dwelling be 2.50m to eaves and max height to top of ridge 4.0m
▸ Excessive depth is a red flag — large extensions face much higher refusal rates.
Approved
Demolition of rear single storey buildings and erection of single storey side/rear extension, widening of existing front access with provision of new ramp and new glazed doors, creation of new accesses off Cecil Street including works to existing pillars and railings. Installation of polycarbonate p
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Proposed single storey rear extension - extending 6m from rear wall, maximum height 3.5m and height to eaves 2.7m
▸ Modest single-storey extensions within typical depth limits have strong approval rates.
Approved
Erect single storey front extension, erect balcony to first floor front, erect first floor rear extension, form hipped to gable roof with dormers to front and rear elevations with Juliet balcony to rear
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Still scrolling?
You’re looking at national data. 18% of rear extension applications get refused — but that number could be higher or lower in your area.
See what gets approved near your home →
Approved
Demolition of single storey rear extension and erect single storey rear extension and first floor extension over kitchen
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
15/03115/FUL
Approved
Removal of existing conservatory and replacement with single storey rear extension plus internal alterations.(as amended)
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Approved
Non-material Amendment: Removal of approved rear extension's parapet walls, leaving a flat roof for application 23/00265/FUL
Approved
Deemed consent granted following successful ground (a) appeal against enforcement notice issued under reference ENF/13684/17 (appeal ref: APP/B4215/C/19/3242449) for the the material change of use of first and second floors from self-contained flat (Class C3) to kitchen, storage and ancillary staff
▸ Kitchen/living extensions are the most common approved type.
Approved
Prior approval submission for a proposed single storey rear extension projecting 8.00 metres from the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse with a height of 3.50 metres at the eaves and a maximum height of 4.0 metres.
▸ Prior approval applications that meet the criteria are rarely refused.
Approved
Demolish Existing Conservatory and Erect Single Storey Rear Extension
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Demolition of existing outrigger and erection of single storey rear extension
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
190095/DPP
Approved
Partial change of use from office accommodation (Class 4) to form 13 residential flats on upper floor levels incorporating rooftop extension with terrace; re-cladding of existing rear extension; replacement of doors; refurbishment of an existing windows, formation of new window openings and installa
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Approved
Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory.
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
P2022/2508/PRA
Approved
Erection of a single storey rear extension (4.45 metres deep, 2.99 metres to the
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Refused
Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed use or development single storey rear extension plus partial garage conversion.
Refused
Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development for the erection of a single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory and lean-to
Refused
Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development for the erection of a single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory and lean-to
Approved
Request for comments by Bristol City Council on an application that crosses the boundary into an adjoining authority: - Demolition of garage. Erection of two storey rear extension to facilitate subdivision of 1no. dwelling into 3no. dwellings with associated works.
▸ Two-storey approvals often involve setbacks from boundaries and matching materials.
20/02993/FUL
Approved
Use of offices (class 2) as 96No. serviced apartments (sui generis) with 3 storey rear extension.
Approved
Prior notification of a proposed change of use of ground floor accountants offices (use class A2) to three 1-bed flats (use class C3) including infilling of existing shop front and insertion of windows and entrance doors to the proposed flats plus entrance doors to first floor flats, demolition of s
Approved
ERECTION OF A NEW SINGLE STOREY FRONT ENTRANCE AND REAR EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING SCHOOL BUILDING ON LAND
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
W/23/0604
Approved
Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for proposed single storey rear
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Use of offices (class 2) as 96No. serviced apartments (sui generis) with 3 storey rear extension.
Approved
Certificate of Lawfulness (Proposed) for single storey rear and alterations to front of dwellinghouse (alter integral garage to habitable space)
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
20/00622
Approved
Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for Proposed single storey rear
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Single storey rear extension and 1.5 storey side extension to house
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Certificate to confirm that the details submitted do not require planning permission (Rear extension to existing garage and internal modifications)
11/00917/NMA
Refused
Non-material amendment to planning permission 07/00242/DET (Rear extension, porch extension and erection of conservatory and erection of garage/workshop) - Configuration of main house extension altered and configuration of garage/workshop roof altered.
Refused
Non-material amendment following grant of P/18/22/HH to reduce size of rear extension, add projection to the first floor balcony, amend fenestration to kitchen, snug and study.
Refused
Revised application for first floor extension and two storey/single storey rear extension to dwelling
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Refused
Householder Planning Application - Single and two storey rear extension and rear facing dormer.
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Refused
Certificate of lawfulness for proposed single storey rear extension to house
20/0598/FUL
Refused
INSTALLATION OF BALUSTRADE TO EXISTING REAR EXTENSION TO CREATE BALCONY (PARTIALLY RETROSPECTIVE)
14/00854/FULL
Refused
Proposed change of use to 21-bedroom hotel, with 2-storey rear extension
Refused
Two storey side extension, single storey rear extension, porch to the front, veranda, addition of windows and solar panels.
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Approved
Extension to Dwellinghouse - Rear Extension and Introduction of Dormer Windows
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Certificate of lawfulness development - proposed for the erection of a rear extension
CH/22/0160
Approved
Proposed two storey rear extension, first floor extension. Resubmission of CH/2
▸ Two-storey approvals often involve setbacks from boundaries and matching materials.
Approved
Proposed construction of single storey rear conservatory extension
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
P/2000/0574
Refused
Erection of rear extension to existing ground floor flat, and conversion to self-contained flat and studio flat.
Refused
Proposed rear extension to dwelling and garage conversion including alterations to form annex
21/00386/NMV1
Refused
Non Material Variation to approved 21/00386/FULL - alterations to dormer and increase size of rear extension
Approved
Erection of single storey rear extension
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
11/00530/FULL
Refused
Side and Rear Extension with Attic Conversion
Related guides
Do I need planning permission for a rear extension? What can you build without planning permission?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.
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