Planning rules for home extensions are set nationally but administered locally, and requirements can vary noticeably between Surrey’s boroughs and districts.
1. Permitted development vs. full planning permission
Many single-storey rear and side extensions can be built under permitted development (PD) rights, without a full planning application, provided they meet size and design limits (e.g. rear extension depth limits, height restrictions, materials matching the existing house).
You’ll likely need full planning permission if:
- The property is in a conservation area or is listed
- The extension exceeds PD size limits
- It’s a flat, maisonette, or the permitted development rights have been removed by an Article 4 direction
- You’re adding a new storey, dormer windows, or significantly altering the roofline
2. Lawful Development Certificates
Even for PD projects, it’s strongly recommended to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) formal confirmation from the council that the works don’t need planning permission. This protects you if you later sell the property.
3. Which council to contact in Surrey
Surrey is covered by several local planning authorities, each with their own planning portal:
- Guildford Borough Council covers Guildford and surrounding villages
- Waverley Borough Council Farnham, Godalming, Cranleigh
- Woking Borough Council
- Surrey Heath Borough Council Camberley, Frimley
- Elmbridge Borough Council Esher, Walton, Weybridge
- Mole Valley District Council Dorking, Leatherhead
- Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
- Tandridge District Council
- Epsom & Ewell Borough Council
- Runnymede Borough Council
- Spelthorne Borough Council
Each council publishes a planning application search where you can view past applications and decisions for a property or street useful both for checking precedent and for researching a property before extending.
4. Typical timeline
- Householder planning application: statutory target of 8 weeks from validation
- Lawful Development Certificate: statutory target of 8 weeks
- Building control: runs alongside or after planning, covering structural and regulatory compliance rather than design
5. Practical tips
- Check for Article 4 directions removing PD rights common in some conservation areas
- Look at neighbouring approved applications on the council’s planning portal for precedent
- Party wall notices (see our Victorian extension guide) are separate from planning permission and must still be served
Working with BUILDA
Our design services include guidance through the planning and building control process for your specific Surrey council, so your project starts on the right footing.