Every rule your project must meet, found for you.

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

At least 1m separation from plot boundary in the case of side extensions. This will allow sufficient space for maintenance and rear access and also limit the 'terracing effect'.

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

The spaces between buildings often make an important contribution to the character of an area. Extensions should not alter the character of an area by creating a 'terracing effect' where properties me

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Residential properties in streets or neighbourhoods typically follow a common pattern with houses of similar styles set at regular distances from the street. The addition of front or side extensions t

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Front extensions are highly visible and often upset building lines and architectural rhythms. They can also appear unduly prominent in the streetscape, affecting the character and appearance of the st

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

While there is a general presumption against extensions at the front of a property, front extensions are more likely to be acceptable where: i. The proposal is for a single storey; ii. The street does

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

The addition of a porch and/or bay windows to the front of a property can have a significant effect on its appearance and that of the street. While in some cases, a porch or bay window addition can ad

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

It is important that a new porch or bay window reflects the design and character of the property, and should be designed to look like an original part of the property. Proposals for porches or bay win

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

What is allowed without planning permission applies largely to the dimensions of the proposed porch and its proximity to any boundary with a road or footpath.

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Corner plots or properties which face two public streets can be particularly prominent. Many corner plots are characterised by having side gardens that have an open character which provides good visib

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Careful consideration will be given to the impact of proposals on neighbouring properties. The development of such buildings therefore require care in siting and design. The proposal should also be su

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

The external finish of a proposal should aim to complement the type of materials, colour and finish of both the existing building and those of neighbouring properties, particularly where certain mater

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Detailing is a fundamental part of the design process. Attention should be paid to design details such as the position, shape, proportion and style of windows, doors and other features (for example, i

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Overlooking of gardens may also be unacceptable where it would result in an intrusive, direct and uninterrupted view of a main room or to the most private area of the garden, which is often the main s

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Sunlight and daylight are valued elements in a good quality living environment. Natural daylight can reduce the need for electric lighting, and sunlight can contribute towards meeting some of the heat

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Where an extension is poorly sited or badly designed it can cast a shadow that may reduce a neighbour's daylight and adversely affect their amenity to an unacceptable level. It is important, therefore

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

In terms of the impact of a proposed extension on access to daylight, the effect on all rooms, apart from halls, landings, bathrooms and utility rooms will be considered. Where an extension would be l

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Significant problems of sunlight or daylight loss are most likely to occur in terraced or semi-detached housing situations and it is here that most care needs to be taken. An extension should be kept

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

The latest edition of the Building Research Establishment (BRE) guidelines "Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight: A Guide to Good Practice (BR 209)" provides guidance on avoiding unacceptabl

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

The effect of a proposed extension on daylight can be assessed using the 45 degree angles tests to indicate where a proposal is likely to overshadow neighbouring properties. The tests take into accoun

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

The 'angles test' is not a rigid standard which must be met in every case. Rather, it is a tool which can be used to gauge the acceptability of proposals in terms of the overshadowing/loss of light im

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Extensions to residential properties should not overdevelop the site in terms of massing, plot size and proximity to boundaries. The loss of space between properties, for example, can create a 'terrac

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Amenity space is an essential part of the character and quality of the environment of residential properties. It is important therefore to ensure, when bringing forward a proposal to extend a property

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

In considering the effect of an extension on private amenity space the council will take account of these guidelines and the prevailing standard of amenity space in the local environment. As a general

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Where extensions are required to accommodate the needs of a person with a disability or whose mobility is otherwise impaired, exceptions to amenity space requirements may be permitted to enable such n

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Appropriate landscaping and boundary treatments are vital considerations in all development and should form an integral part of any proposal. Landscaping in particular can create a high quality settin

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

To ensure that full account is taken of existing trees and landscape features within the residential curtilage, such features should, as part of a planning application, be accurately detailed on a sit

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Proposals for extensions or other ancillary buildings that would result in the loss of significant local landscape features, in particular trees which are the subject of a TPO or which contribute to a

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

New landscaping or boundary treatments being introduced should, almost always, be guided by the predominant features and boundary types of the locality. This is especially important in terms of walls

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Expanses of close-board fencing in public areas are visually unacceptable as they can appear hostile and deteriorate more rapidly than other forms of boundary treatment. Timber fence panels that are m

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Bin storage must be adequately provided for and a proposed extension must leave enough space to accommodate the number and type(s) of bins held at the property, which in some instances may be three bi

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

While bins should be stored in rear gardens, the storage of bins to the side-rear of a property may be permitted where it is demonstrated that: i. Sufficient space to accommodate the bins is available

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Any proposal for screening will be assessed on a case by case basis, taking account of all relevant factors, including any impact on the existing property and its surrounding area.

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

An extension or alteration to a residential property and/or the conversion of an attached or integral garage to create additional living space can result in the loss of in-curtilage car parking provis

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Similarly the use of an entire garden area to provide car parking or a turning area will not be acceptable. While proposals to remove front boundary treatments and surface curtilage for parking are un

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Useful outdoor private space can be provided and/or enhanced by providing decked areas, patios, terraces and balconies. These should generally be well contained, screened and designed to avoid dominan

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

An extension or alteration such as high-level decking or patios and roof-terraces or balconies can all increase the level of noise and general disturbance experienced by residents of neighbouring prop

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Raised platforms… what is allowed without planning permission applies largely to location, siting and the height of the proposed raised platforms, such as decking.

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Biodiverse, living or green roofs and walls: these surfaces support biodiversity and can provide valuable habitat on sites particularly where space for new habitat creation is constrained. They are go

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

reduce flood risk by slowing rainwater/storm runoff, cooling urban areas and increasing energy efficiency by offering solar and thermal protection. Biodiverse walls protect masonry from extreme temper

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Amenity space Public open space or land within the curtilage of a dwelling that can be used for recreation. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) Areas designated in recognition of their nationa

Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations

Further guidance on SuDS can be found in the Belfast Green and Blue Infrastructure Plan and within the Councils SuDS SPG, available at: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/Planning-and-building-control/Pla