insideKENT Magazine Issue 97 - April 2020 | Page 109

Do You Have Any Shared Walls?
If you have to dig foundations for your extension
then you might need to comply with the Party Wall
Act. This means that in many cases, if you are digging
within 3 metres of a party wall, or within 6 metres
of a boundary, you’ll need to comply with it.
Site Access
Is it going to be easy for lorries to park in your road?
How about access to the area that’s being extended?
Before any work starts you might want to chat to
your neighbours to let them know what’s happening
and, if need be, ask for access from their property.
They don’t have to say yes, so it’s good to talk.
Planning Permission
Not all extensions are going to need planning
permission, but some will and if yours falls into that
category and you don’t have it, you might have to
remove the entire structure if found to be compliant.
You won’t need planning permission if:
• You live in a detached property and are creating
a single storey extension 4 metres to the rear, or
a double storey extension 3 metres to the rear.
• You are creating a single storey extension that is
less than 4 metres high.
• You are creating a two storey extension and it is
more than 7 metres from the boundary opposite
the rear elevation.
• You are creating a single storey side extension that
is no higher than 4 metres and no more than half
of the width of the existing property
• You are creating an extension that does not go
further forward than the original structure.
If your extension complies with the above, you’ll be
able to build it under the ‘permitted development’
laws rather than obtaining planning permission. If
you’re unsure, it’s best to seek advice – it’s better to
check than run the risk of not getting planning
permission if you need it!
Remember, in Kent there are many conservation
areas and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Plus, there are many listed buildings. If you live in
one of these areas or your property is listed (or both)
the scope of the permitted development will be
different, and you won’t be able to do as much
without planning permission, so don’t fall foul of
this extra rule.
Professional Advice
Ben adds: “The appointment of an experienced
design consultant at an early stage will assist in
channelling thoughts on how the home can evolve
to suit the individual needs of modern living.
Considering the existing building and its site along
with their location and orientation are crucial parts
of the puzzle. This in turn will lead to the production
of beautifully light and airy spaces.”
“Expert advice on planning an extension and
improvements is an essential part of the process from
start to finish.”
Kent Design Studio offers high quality Architectural
Services in both Planning and Technical Design
across all sectors.
For more information get in touch with the team
www.kentdesignstudio.co.uk 01580 230413
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