Planning permission is the single thing most homeowners get most worried — and most confused — about when they are thinking of extending. The good news: most extensions in Nuneaton and Bedworth do not actually need full planning permission. They fall under what is called permitted development, a national set of rules that lets you build certain things without applying.
But “most” is not “all”. So here is a plain-English guide — written by builders, not solicitors — to what you can and cannot build under permitted development in NBBC borough, when you do need full planning, and how the process actually works in 2026.
What is permitted development?
Permitted development (PD) is a set of national rights that allow you to extend or alter your home within specific size and design limits, without applying for planning permission. As long as your project sits inside those limits, you do not need to ask the council for permission — though you do still need building regulations approval (which is different from planning).
PD rights apply to most houses but not to:
- Flats or maisonettes
- Listed buildings
- Houses in conservation areas (your PD rights are restricted)
- Properties where PD has been removed by a previous condition (common on newer estates)
If any of those apply to you, assume you will need a full planning application.
What can you build under permitted development in Nuneaton & Bedworth?
Single storey rear extensions
- 4m from the original rear wall on a detached house
- 3m from the original rear wall on a semi-detached or terraced house
- Maximum height: 4m with a pitched roof, 3m with a flat roof
- Eaves height within 2m of a boundary: 3m maximum
- Built in materials similar in appearance to the existing house
You can extend further (up to 8m on detached, 6m on semis/terraces) under what used to be called “Larger Home Extensions” — but you will need a Prior Approval application to NBBC first, which is faster and cheaper than a full planning application.
Side extensions
- No wider than half the width of the original house
- No higher than 4m
- Single storey only
Double storey rear extensions
- Maximum 3m projection from the original rear wall
- Must be at least 7m from the rear boundary
- Roof pitch must match the existing house as closely as practicable
- Upper floor windows on the side elevation must be obscure-glazed and non-opening below 1.7m
What is “the original house”?
“Original” means the house as it stood on 1 July 1948, or as it was first built if newer. If your house has already been extended once, that previous extension counts against your PD allowance — you may have less room than you think.
When do you definitely need full planning permission?
- Your extension exceeds the PD size limits above
- You are in a conservation area (parts of Nuneaton town centre, Bulkington, Astley, Arbury Hall area)
- Your house is listed (separate listed building consent needed too)
- You want a side extension over single storey
- You are forward of the principal elevation (sticking out at the front)
- Permitted development rights have been removed by an Article 4 direction or a planning condition
- You are building outbuildings or annexes that do not sit in the curtilage
A planning application to Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council costs £258 for a householder application in 2026, plus your architect fees. Determination takes 8 weeks in most cases — sometimes faster, occasionally longer if neighbours object.
Building regulations vs planning permission — they are different
- Planning permission is about whether you are allowed to build it (looks, scale, impact on neighbours).
- Building regulations are about whether it is safely built (foundations, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, structural soundness).
Even an extension that does not need planning permission will need building regulations approval. Either route — Full Plans or Building Notice — is a valid path; we recommend Full Plans for any project bigger than a small porch, because it gives you certainty before you start.
Building regs in Nuneaton & Bedworth are administered by NBBC Building Control, or you can use an Approved Inspector (a private alternative).
A typical 2026 timeline for an extension
| Stage | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation & survey | 1–2 weeks | We come out, measure, talk through ideas |
| Concept design | 2–3 weeks | First drawings for you to react to |
| Final design & structural | 3–4 weeks | Once the concept is signed off |
| Planning (if needed) | 8–10 weeks | Determination period at NBBC |
| Building regs approval | 3–6 weeks | Can run in parallel with planning |
| Build | 10–22 weeks | Depending on extension type |
Total from first consultation to handover: typically 6–10 months for a permitted development single storey, 9–13 months for a double storey requiring planning.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission for a single storey rear extension in Nuneaton?
Most do not — providing it sits within permitted development limits (3m projection on a semi/terrace, 4m on a detached, 4m max height). Houses in conservation areas, listed buildings and properties where PD has been removed are the main exceptions.
How much is a planning application in Nuneaton?
£258 for a householder application to NBBC in 2026. Your architect or designer will charge separately for drawings — typically £400–£1,200.
How long does planning take at Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council?
The standard determination period is 8 weeks. Around 70–80% of straightforward householder applications are decided inside that window.
Can my neighbours block my extension?
They can object during the consultation period, but objections only succeed if they are based on valid planning grounds — loss of light, overlooking, design impact on the streetscape — not personal disputes.
Do I need a party wall agreement?
If you are building within 3m of a neighbour structure (or 6m in some cases), you need a Party Wall Agreement under the Party Wall Act 1996. This is separate from planning permission. Budget £900–£2,500 per affected neighbour for surveyor fees.
Take the planning headache off your hands
We handle planning, permitted development, prior approval and building regs for every Parker Grears client as part of our fully managed service. You will never need to walk into NBBC planning office, fill in a form, or interpret a refusal letter — that is our job.
If you are sketching out an extension and want to know exactly what you are allowed to build on your specific plot, book a free consultation and we will come and tell you in 30 minutes.
Parker Grears Developments are FMB-registered builders based in Nuneaton, building permitted development and full planning extensions across Nuneaton, Bedworth, Hinckley, Coventry and wider Warwickshire. See our recent extensions.
