Permitted Development vs Planning Permission: Understanding the Difference in North London
- Tollington Surveyors
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
Permitted Development vs Planning Permission: Understanding the Difference in North London
When making changes to your property in North London—whether in areas like Crouch End, Highgate, or Finsbury Park—it’s crucial to understand the difference between permitted development and planning permission. These are two distinct planning routes, each with their own rules, limitations, and implications for homeowners.
Permitted Development Rights (PDR) allow certain works to be undertaken without the need to apply for full planning permission. Typical examples include modest single-storey rear extensions (up to 3 metres on a semi-detached house), loft conversions with rear dormers (within volume limits), installation of rooflights, porches, and certain outbuildings. However, the works must strictly comply with technical criteria laid out in the General Permitted Development Order (GDPO) 2015, and in some cases, you may still need to submit a Lawful Development Certificate for legal clarity.
Planning Permission, however, is required where the proposed development exceeds the permitted thresholds or materially alters the character or scale of the property. Double-storey extensions, full-width rear additions, conversions into flats, significant alterations to the façade, and changes in use (e.g. turning a house into a HMO) generally fall outside PDR and require full planning approval from the local authority.
In many parts of North London—especially in Conservation Areas such as Muswell Hill, De Beauvoir Town, or Stroud Green—permitted development rights are heavily restricted or removed entirely under Article 4 Directions. In these areas, even minor changes like replacing timber windows or installing new front paving may require planning permission.
Building Regulations are a separate and essential legal requirement, regardless of whether your works fall under permitted development or require planning permission. Building Regulations cover the technical aspects of construction including structural safety, fire resistance, energy efficiency, sound insulation, drainage, ventilation, and more. Common works such as extensions, new bathrooms, rewiring, window replacements, or steel beam installations all require Building Control approval. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action or difficulties when selling the property.
Working with Haringey Council and Navigating Local Rules
If your property falls within Haringey, it’s worth understanding how the local council deals with permitted development. While you may not need full planning permission for certain works, Haringey Council recommends submitting an application for a Lawful Development Certificate to formally confirm that your proposed works fall within permitted development criteria. This certificate is useful if you later sell the property, as it provides clear evidence that the works were lawful at the time they were carried out.
Applications can be submitted through the Planning Portal or directly via the council's website. You'll need to provide scaled drawings, a description of the proposed work, and pay a modest application fee. The decision usually takes up to 8 weeks. Before applying, it's also wise to check whether your property lies within a Conservation Area or is affected by Article 4 Directions, both of which may restrict what you can do without formal planning approval.
We often see homeowners in North London caught out by local constraints—each borough differs slightly in its interpretation and enforcement of planning law. If in doubt, always check before proceeding.
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