PDR & vertical extensions

VERTICAL EXTENSIONS & PRIOR NOTIFICATION

Changes to the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) which came into effect 1st August 2020 now allow the upward extension of existing blocks of flats by two additional storeys. In order for a block of flats to qualify for the PDR the building must be:

• A detached purpose-built block of flats
• Have a minimum of 3 storeys
• Have been constructed between 1st July 1948 & 5th March 2018

As previously mentioned, if the residential use of the existing building was itself obtained through permitted development rights, then the new PDR is not available. This would rule out buildings that have been converted to residential from office or retail use.

What is allowed?

• 2 additional stories immediately above existing topmost storey
• Any engineering works required to construct additional storeys
• Replacement/ construction of plant
• Works to create safe access – for example fire escape routes
• Any associated construction for storage and waste

What can prevent these PDR being applicable?

As with householder PDR exceptions relate to the type of building or location; if the building is listed or lies within a conservation area, a national park or world heritage site, and in the case of vertical extensions within 3km of an aerodrome.

What other restrictions are there?

• The new development must be flats
• The additional storeys must be on the principal part of the building;
• And follow the existing building footprint
• Max 3m storey height
• Finished building height of no more than 30m (excluding plant)

What is the process?

This type of permitted development requires an application to your local planning authority to determine if ‘Prior Approval’ will be required. This allows the local planning authority to consider proposals and their likely impacts with regards to factors such as highways or flood risk and how these might be mitigated.

This type of application requires less documentation and are actioned quickly by the local planning authority, as many will receive ‘deemed consent’ if the determination period expires.

What can we help you with?

The first step will obviously be to establish if PDR is applicable for your building. If it is then we can prepare and submit the necessary drawings and accompanying documents that will be required for an application for ‘Prior Notification’.

If your building does not benefit from PDR we may still be able to assist with a pre application consultation to the local planning authority, to explore your options to extend vertically by obtaining a planning approval. As we all know the government is fully behind a push to increase housing stock across the country and local authorities know ‘the only way is up’ to meet their required unit numbers