Planning Permission?

[lulu_bucket]

Thinking of buying a bungalow in a semi rural spot 1.8 acres.
It has already been extended by a lot with the addition of a small conservatory (could get rid of this) and a lounge / diner. We know we cannot add more on the bungalow footprint BUT
We would want to build UP not out adding a bedroom/ensuite and maybe a dressing room ABOVE the lounge/diner extension involving some stairs somewhere obviously.

There is also a 20ft by 10 ft shed with plumbing and elec. there is no garage. We would want to replace this wooden shed with a substantial brick built garage incorporating a loo/utility area.

Basically what are the planning permission rules for up not out if the out has reached it's max allowed?! Thanks.

[rodders123]

A lot depends if the extension upwards would overlook any other properties. A few years ago, a neighbour of mine applied for a similar plan. It was met by the nimbys complaining of invasion of privacy. To cut a long story short, it was passed with very limited outlook from upstairs.

[lulu_bucket]

It is AT least 80 metres away from the side of a house and would not impose on their privacy at all.

[rodders123]

Can't see much of a problem then. Might be worth approaching your local planning authority before going to the expense of an application.

[Hypognosis]

Rest assured that, based on past horror stories, if you build without seeking permission, the council will wait until weeks after completion (ie building contractors fully paid (I can't imagine why that might be (wink))) *before* they kick up a fuss and get you to knock it down.

Maybe try viewing your property from all the various houses around it, to see if the elevated section could be said to be 'interfering' with their lovely view of the countryside. Likely not.

Planning permission may be a mere formality, in your case, but you still need to go through the process to obtain it; if you attempt to cut corners, they will make an example of you, to discourage others from trying it on.

[Tuvok]

Your foundations may not be suitable for another storey.

[buildersmate]

Most of the people above appear to know little about planning rules. No-one has even mentioned the word `overdevelopment`. You cannot simple increase the footprint area by more than a percentage, as in the policy. This has nothing to do with privacy concerns.

[lulu_bucket]

Builders mate thanks. Does this mean if it has been increased already to it's max , land space ground level, if you know what I mean! You can't build a bedroom for eg above the existing extension which is lounge/diner, up not out!?

[buildersmate]

Keeping this short and hence simple, planning policies vary between local authorities but based on a national framework. One of the things applying across the country is the differentiation between "settlement areas" and countryside, with respect to housing development. Cities, towns and some large villages have settlement boundaries around them. You can always see where that occurs, the housing stops abruptly along the road.
Everywhere else, including open countryside and many rural villages, are outside established settlements and bound by different policies. I'm assuming, because you say it is 80m to the nearest dwelling, that this property is outside declared settlement boundaries.
If that is the case then typical policies applying would be that you cannot increase the floor area of the dwelling by >50%. This figure applies from when originally built. This is to prevent overdevelopment of the countryside. This is a typical figure, but in a highly protected National Park it could be a lot less.
However, just because something is proposed as outside policy doesn't mean it will be rejected. Clever planning consultants with knowledge of what has been allowed before in similar circumstances can test the boundaries. The issue for council planners is that they often do not want an application to go to appeal, so they compromise.
Every case is unique, so I can't comment on your specific.
You can generally book an appointment with a local planner to discuss your ideas. It used to be free to householders but many now charge. They will give you General guidance on the applicable policy, but do not expect them to say how far above they might stretch.
You would be unwise to buy the house without planning consent as it would be a risk, if the extension is central to your needs.
Equally, having agreed consent on a small house in a desirable location may well increase the value the owner thinks it is worth.
The answers above mine are well-meaning but relate principally to rules INSIDE a settlement boundary.

[buildersmate]

There are also rules about Permitted Developments, of course, that is development without consent. However even the recent relaxation is unlikely to provide what you want. Sensitive protected rural areas have no (or much reduced) permitted development rights.

[The Builder]

Also, BM............. PD rights don't allow raising ridge heights, so they would not apply in the case of an upper storey addition. (Unless, of course, it can be done within the existing ridge height.)

[buildersmate]

Appreciate that, boss. Trying to paint a decent picture of wider influences, lest I get a response from another contributor. Dormer Windows in loftspace can sometimes be possible.