Rear Extension planning permission examples — what gets approved & refused
378,803 real decisions from 314 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: August 2026
83.3%
approval rate across 378,803 decisions
That means roughly 1 in 6 rear extension applications are refused — often due to avoidable design issues.
378,803
Decisions
315,535
Approved
63,268
Refused
314
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
Prior approval request for the erection of a single storey rear extension with a flat roof that would 1) extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 5.75m; 2) have a maximum height of 2.80 metres and 3) have eaves that are 2.40 metres high.
▸ Prior approval applications that meet the criteria are rarely refused.
Approved
Prior approval request for the erection of a single storey rear extension with a flat roof that would 1) extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 5.75m; 2) have a maximum height of 2.80 metres and 3) have eaves that are 2.40 metres high.
▸ Prior approval applications that meet the criteria are rarely refused.
Approved
REAR EXTENSION TO RETAIL UNIT (CLASS 1A) TO FORM EXTERNAL GARDEN CENTRE SALES AREA (532 SQM) AND STORAGE YARD (216 SQM), ERECTION OF 4.8 METRE HIGH FENCING AND INSTALLATION OF FLOODLIGHTS (6.5M COLUMNS) AND ENLARGEMENT OF EXISTING OPENING IN REAR ELEVATION
Approved
Prior notification for the construction of a single storey rear extension to the existing dwelling, measuring 5.5m metres beyond the rear wall; 2.7m in height from ground level; 2.75m metres in height to eaves from ground.
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Non-Material amendment to planning permission 23/00503/FUL to replace the existing polycarbonate roof that is causing leaks into the storage area while raining and snowing with an OSB board with restec finish and a flat roof skylight of max 1m x 1m for natural light in the storage area. The proposed
Refused
Non-Material Amendment of DC/26/0205/FUL - Single storey side and rear extension to bungalow and associated alteration - change of facing material from facing brick to smooth external render to include proposed extension together with existing bungalow
Approved
Lawful Development Certificate For A Proposed 3m Single Storey Rear Extension With Internal Re-model To Existing Ground Floor Plan
▸ Modest single-storey extensions within typical depth limits have strong approval rates.
Approved
Demolition of rear utility room and erection of single storey flat roof rear extension with bi-fold doors
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
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
Removal of existing rear structure and construction of single storey rear extension with flat roof.
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Erection of single storey rear extension with flat roof (4.5m x 3m, max height).
▸ Modest single-storey extensions within typical depth limits have strong approval rates.
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.
Approved
Prior approval submission for a single storey rear extension projecting 3.5 metres from the rear elevation of the original dwellinghouse with a height of 2.9 metres at the eaves and a maximum height of 2.9 metres and having a flat roof with 2no. roof lanterns (Valid from 23.03.2026)
▸ Prior approval applications that meet the criteria are rarely refused.
Refused
Two-storey rear extension and creation of front porch. Replacement of existing roof including increased ridge height and rendering of existing facade
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
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
Proposed single storey rear extension up to 5m depth with a gable roof and roof lights. Measurements: Extend beyond the rear wall - 5m, height -3.80m and height at the eaves 2.30m.
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
External alterations to listed building, associated with stone works, and timber cladding to rear extension.
▸ Listed building applications succeed when design is sensitive to the original character.
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
Certificate of lawfulness for a proposed change of use of an existing C3 Dwellinghouse to a C4, 4 bedroom, 4 person House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and addition of single storey rear extension
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Alter and extend dwellinghouse over-clad existing flat roof side and rear extension re-instate double garage and fit ASHP at
Still scrolling?
You’re looking at national data. 17% 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
Application for prior approval for erection of two single storey rear extensions and one single storey side extension that projects more than 4m but less than 8m beyond the rear elevation
▸ 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
Single storey flat roof rear extension (flat roof to include central lantern)
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Lawful Development Certificate for proposed replacement single-storey rear extension with flat roof
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Approved
Single storey rear extension extending 5.9m, with a height to the eaves of 2.4m and a total height of 3.95m
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
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.
Refused
Change of use from C3 to 6 bedroomed assisted living property, single storey extension to front and 2 storey side and rear extension.
Refused
Single storey rear extension to provide additional bedroom and living room
Refused
Prior notification of a single storey rear extension measuring 4.3m in depth and 3m maximum height
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
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.
Approved
Retrospective application for a single storey rear extension, installation of 8 roof lights, installation of a set of patio doors and change two windows into patio doors
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Erection of single storey rear extension which extends beyond the rear wall by 6.30m, has a maximum height of 3.65m and an eaves height of 3.65m
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Ground Floor rear extension with green roof, First floor rear extension with flat roof, juliet balcony and internal amendments
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
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.
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.
Approved
Demolition of existing single-storey side extension and construction of new single-storey, rear extension
Refused
Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed use or development single storey rear extension plus partial garage conversion.
Refused
Proposed single storey rear extension (length 6.00m, height 3.45m, height to eaves 3.00m)
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.
20/00622
Approved
Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for Proposed single storey rear
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Notification for prior approval for rear extension to dwelling extending 6.00 metres beyond rear wall, maximum height 2.90 metres, height to eaves 2.80 metres
▸ Prior approval applications that meet the criteria are rarely refused.
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
Sub division of property to create 2No 3 bed properties, two storey rear extension and creation of off road car parking
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Refused
Proposed single storey rear extension (including part demolition of existing single storey rear extensions) first floor rear extension and Juliet balcony to existing rear elevation.
Refused
Change of Use from shop to restaurant with revised opening hours, erection of single storey rear extension, formation of raised decking area, and alterations to shop front
Refused
Proposed demolition of an existing rear store extension and garage. Proposed construction of a wrap around flat roof front, side/rear extension with a canopy extension roof to the rear. Changes to fenestration and addition of a flat roof dormer to create a front entrance extension with full height g
Refused
Ground floor side extension with two storey rear extension and internal works and new front porch.
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Refused
Conversion from vacant school house to two storey dwelling with rear extension to accommodate stairs.
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Approved
Front and Rear Extensions to Dwellinghouse and Formation of Steps
Approved
Extension to Dwellinghouse - Rear Extension and Introduction of Dormer Windows
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
P/2000/0574
Refused
Erection of rear extension to existing ground floor flat, and conversion to self-contained flat and studio flat.
Approved
Single storey rear extension (Prior Approval)
▸ Prior approval applications that meet the criteria are rarely refused.
Approved
Proposed rear extension to form disabled shower room.
▸ Accessibility needs strengthen the case for approval.
11/00530/FULL
Refused
Side and Rear Extension with Attic Conversion
Related guides
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