We are over the moon for our clients in the New Forest, who have just had their extension approved and been granted Full Planning Permission.
Gaining planning permission within the New Forest National Park requires additional measures to ensure that the project complies with local planning policy, as will be the same in any National Park. The New Forest in Particular has what is known as the 30% rule. Anyone wishing to extend may only add an additional 30% of the total floor area. This ‘existing’ floor area is anything that was there prior to 1982. Any additions to the floor area post this date may not count towards your total ‘existing’ Thus allowing less than 30% extension to floor area overall.
If you are classed as a ‘small dwelling’ in the New Forest’ – a dwelling measuring less than 80 sqm – you may only be allowed to extend up to 100 sqm in total.
There is of course, more detailed guidance around this policy and it is absolutely imperative that you are fully aware of the limits prior to either purchasing your property if you are looking to develop – or starting the design or build process.
The New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA) have detailed guidance on when you will require planning permission and the policies that you must comply with. If you are working with a professional such as an Architect or a Planning Consultant, they will guide you through this process, ensuring that your design is meeting the necessary requirements.
If you are thinking about starting your project in the National Park and would like some guidance to get you started, please do contact us for a free consultation. Laurence and I will be happy to help.
Written by Verity Lovelock April 2021