Residential Commercial Our WorkTestimonialsAreas We CoverBlogContact07891 214075Get A Quote - Home - Blog - Planning Permission Guide Back to BlogHomeowner Guides # Do You Need Planning Permission? A Homeowner's Guide for Derbyshire 8 min read15 June 2025By JBW Construction In This Guide What Is Permitted Development?When You DON'T Need PermissionWhen You WILL Need PermissionBuilding Regs vs PlanningDerbyshire Special RulesHow to Check One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners across Chesterfield, Matlock, and the Peak District is: "Do I actually need planning permission for this?" The answer depends on the type of work, the size of your property, and where you live. This guide breaks it down so you can move forward with confidence. Whether you're considering a rear or side extension, a loft conversion, or a garage conversion — here's what you need to know. ## What Is Permitted Development? Permitted Development (PD) rights allow homeowners to carry out certain building works without a full planning application. These rights are granted by the government and apply to most houses — but not all. Your PD rights may be restricted if: - • Your home is in a conservation area (common in Peak District & parts of Chesterfield) - • Your property is a listed building - • PD rights were removed via an Article 4 direction - • You live in a flat or maisonette ## When You Typically DON'T Need Planning Permission ### Single-Storey Rear Extensions 4m Max depth (8m detached) 3m Max eaves height 50% Max garden coverage Our team regularly delivers property extensions across Chesterfield under PD — saving homeowners weeks of waiting time. ### Loft Conversions 40m³ Terraced houses 50m³ Detached / semi-detached Most loft conversions in Chesterfield and Dronfield fall within PD, but dormer additions on the front elevation always require planning permission. ### Garage Conversions Converting an existing integral or attached garage into living space is usually permitted development — provided you're not significantly altering the external appearance. One of the most cost-effective ways to add a bedroom or home office. ### Outbuildings & Garden Rooms 2.5m Max eaves height 50% Max curtilage coverage 2.5m Height at boundary (<2m) ## When You WILL Need Planning Permission - 1Two-storey extensions (side or rear) - 2Any extension forward of the principal elevation - 3Work on listed buildings (also requires Listed Building Consent) - 4Significant alterations in conservation areas - 5New-build homes or barn conversions — always require full planning - 6Commercial-to-residential conversions (prior approval may apply under Class MA) ## Building Regulations vs Planning Permission These are two separate things. Even if you don't need planning permission, almost all structural work requires Building Regulations approval. This covers: Structural integrity Fire safety Insulation & energy efficiency Drainage & ventilation Electrical safety Staircase regulations 💡 At JBW Construction, we handle building regulation applications as part of every project — so you never need to chase paperwork. ## Special Considerations for Derbyshire Living in areas like the Peak District National Park brings additional planning restrictions. The National Park Authority acts as the planning authority and applies stricter controls to protect the landscape character. MatlockDronfieldChesterfieldPeak District Check whether your property falls within a conservation area or national park boundary before assuming PD rights apply. ## How to Check If You Need Permission 1 Check the Planning Portal The government's interactive tool gives a quick indication. 2 Contact your local planning authority Chesterfield Borough Council or Derbyshire Dales District Council. 3 Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate Written confirmation that your project is PD. Useful when selling your home later. 4 Ask your builder An experienced local builder will know from the first site visit whether planning permission is likely needed. Why This Matters Before You Start Building without the correct permissions can result in an enforcement notice, requiring you to undo the work at your own cost. It can also cause serious problems when selling your property. That's why every project we take on starts with a free site survey where we assess planning requirements before any work begins. ## Not Sure If You Need Planning Permission? Book a free site survey with JBW Construction. We'll assess your project, advise on permissions, and provide a detailed quote — all at no cost. Book Free Site Survey 07891 214075 ## Related Services Property ExtensionsLoft ConversionsNew Build Homes Derbyshire's trusted builders delivering quality construction, renovations, and conversions for over 25 years. - ### Navigation Home - About - Services - Our Work - Reviews - Specials - Areas We Cover - Contact Us ### Services - Extensions - New Builds - Barn Conversions - Garage Conversions - Loft Conversions - Refurbishments - Shop Fit-Outs - Commercial ### Areas - Builders in Chesterfield - Builders in Matlock - Builders in Peak District - Builders in Sheffield - Builders in Dronfield - Builders in Rotherham ### Get In Touch 07891 214075info@jbwconstruction.co.ukSalisbury Ave,Chesterfield S41 8PQ © 2026 JBW Construction Services Ltd. All rights reserved. Privacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsCookie PolicySitemap Call NowFree Quote We use essential cookies to run this site and optional analytics cookies to improve it. Cookie Policy AcceptReject