Published 7 June 2026
By Jon Thompson, Director — Living Design & Build Ltd, FMB-member builder, Bridgnorth
Many house extensions in Shropshire and the West Midlands don't need planning permission — they're allowed under permitted development. But two-storey extensions, anything beyond the size limits, and any work in a conservation area or on a listed building do need full planning. Here's how to tell which camp your project falls into.
Single-storey rear extensions: usually permitted development
A single-storey rear extension can normally be built without planning permission if it stays within these limits:
- Detached house: up to 4m deep (8m under the larger-home prior-approval scheme)
- Semi-detached or terraced: up to 3m deep (6m under prior approval)
- Maximum height 4m, or 3m within 2m of a boundary
- Eaves no higher than 3m within 2m of a boundary
- Extension doesn't cover more than half the garden
- Materials similar in appearance to the existing house
Side extensions
Single-storey side extensions can be permitted development if they're no wider than half the original house, no more than 4m high, and use matching materials. On corner plots and where the side faces a road, full planning is more likely.
Two-storey extensions: almost always need planning
There are limited permitted-development rights for two-storey rear extensions, but the conditions are tight (no closer than 7m to the rear boundary, specific roof-pitch matching, no balconies). In practice, most two-storey extensions in Shropshire need a full householder planning application — budget 8 weeks and around £258 in fees.
When you definitely need full planning permission
- The property is listed (any grade)
- It's in a conservation area — Bridgnorth High Town, Much Wenlock town centre, Old Quarter Stourbridge, Bewdley, Tettenhall Wood and others
- It's in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site or an AONB
- You're exceeding the permitted-development size limits
- Permitted development rights have been removed (common on newer estates — check your original planning consent)
Planning vs Building Regulations
These are two separate approvals. Planning permission asks 'is this allowed here?'. Building Regulations ask 'is it built safely and correctly?'. Every extension needs Building Regs approval even when it doesn't need planning permission. We handle both on every project.
Council areas we work in
- Shropshire Council — Bridgnorth, Much Wenlock, Telford fringes
- Dudley MBC — Stourbridge, Halesowen, Kingswinford
- City of Wolverhampton Council — Wolverhampton and suburbs
- Wyre Forest District — Kidderminster, Bewdley, Stourport
- South Staffordshire Council — Wombourne, Swindon, Himley
- Telford & Wrekin Council — Telford, Newport, Madeley
Frequently asked questions
How long does planning permission take in Shropshire?+
Householder planning applications are determined within 8 weeks. A Lawful Development Certificate (confirming permitted development) is also around 8 weeks but is rarely refused if the design genuinely meets the limits.
Do you handle the planning application for me?+
Yes. We produce the drawings, submit through the planning portal, manage neighbour consultation and discharge any conditions. You don't need to coordinate separate architects and consultants — it's all part of our design-and-build service.
What happens if I extend without permission?+
The council can serve an enforcement notice requiring you to undo the work. It's uncommon but the risk is real, especially in conservation areas where neighbours notice. We always confirm the planning route before any work starts.
Living Design & Build is an FMB-member builder in Bridgnorth covering Shropshire and the West Midlands. Book a free site visit and we'll tell you exactly what consents your extension needs and give you a fixed-price quote.