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Checking if planning permission is required
2.2.4Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations
Advice on when planning permission is required can be found on the Planning Portal. However, if you are in any doubt as to whether or not you require planning permission, please contact the council fo
dwellingsite-planningArticle 4 Directions in conservation areas
Article 4Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations
Article 4 of the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 makes provision for 'Directions restricting permitted development'. Under this legislation, the Council has remo
dwellingconservationsite-planningPermitted development rights overview
Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations
Some examples of permitted development rights are included for information throughout this guidance, but this should not be viewed as a comprehensive summary. For full details of permitted development
dwellingflatssite-planningSide extension separation from plot boundary
4.1.4(iii)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'.
dwellingsite-planningexternal-spaceRelaxation of minimum set down and set back requirements
4.1.5Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations
The requirement for a minimum 500mm set down and set back will only be relaxed if it can be conclusively demonstrated that it is not feasible due to technical and/or site constraints, and only in inst
dwellingsite-planningFront extensions, porches and bay windows - general principle
4.1.12Belfast·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
dwellingexternal-spacesite-planningFront extensions - circumstances where more acceptable
4.1.13Belfast·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
dwellingexternal-spacesite-planningCorner plots - Extension design guidance
4.1.16Belfast·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
dwellingsite-planningexternal-spacePermitted Development for Rear Extensions
RD2Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations
What is allowed without planning permission applies largely to the dimensions of the proposed extension and its proximity to plot boundaries. A conservatory attached to the house will be treated as an
dwellingsite-planningAncillary accommodation and use conditions
4.1.31-4.1.32Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations
In all other cases the Council will need to be satisfied that the proposed accommodation will remain ancillary to the main residential property. Where permission is granted it will be subject to a con
dwellingsite-planningOverdevelopment
4.3.28Belfast·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
dwellingsite-planningexternal-spaceBoundary encroachment and neighbour's rights
4.3.39Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations
Although not a planning matter, an extension or alteration to a dwelling should not infringe upon a neighbouring property. It is an infringement of a neighbour's civil property rights should foundatio
dwellingsite-planningSide boundary clearance for maintenance and access
4.3.40Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations
The provision of adequate space along the side boundaries of the site will eliminate the possibility of any part of the extension, including rainwater goods, overhanging neighbouring property and will
dwellingsite-planningLoss of car parking spaces and turning areas
4.3.45Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations
Proposed works that result in the significant loss of car parking spaces or a turning area, with no reasonable alternative being available, will not be acceptable.
dwellingsite-planningGarden areas and hard surfacing for parking
4.3.46Belfast·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
dwellingsite-planningexternal-spaceHard surfacing and permitted development
15Belfast·SPG004 Residential Extensions and Alterations
Refer to the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 for all rules relating to permitted development in respect of the provision or replacement of hard surfacing within
dwellingsite-planning