Extending your home can be one of the most rewarding ways to create extra space — whether you’re adding a new kitchen, opening up your living area, or creating a light-filled connection to your garden.
But before any work begins, one crucial question often arises: do you need planning permission for your house extension in Edinburgh?
The answer depends on the type, size, and location of your property, and understanding the local rules will help you plan with confidence.
1. Permitted Development: When You Don’t Need Planning Permission
Many small to medium-sized extensions in Edinburgh can be carried out under Permitted Development Rights (PDR).
This means that you can extend your home without submitting a full planning application, provided your project meets certain conditions.
In general, you may not need planning permission if:
- Your extension is to the rear of the property.
- It does not exceed 4 metres in height (for single-storey extensions).
- It does not take up more than half of your garden or curtilage.
- The materials used are similar in appearance to the existing house.
- It does not face a road (for front or side extensions).
However, rules vary depending on whether your home is detached, semi-detached, or a flat, and some properties — particularly those in conservation areas — have tighter restrictions.
2. When You Will Need Planning Permission
You’ll need to apply for planning permission if:
- Your home is listed or located within a conservation area.
- You’re planning a two-storey extension.
- The extension is closer to the road than the original house.
- You want to use contrasting materials or alter the building’s character.
- The extension goes above a certain height or footprint.
In these cases, your architect will prepare drawings and a design statement to support your application to the City of Edinburgh Council.
3. Building Warrant: Always Required
Even if planning permission isn’t needed, a Building Warrant always is.
This ensures your extension meets Scotland’s building standards for structure, insulation, fire safety, ventilation, and drainage.
At Biomorphis, we regularly handle both Planning and Building Warrant applications. We prepare all technical drawings, liaise with the Council, and guide you through the process — so you can focus on the exciting part: shaping your new space.
4. Typical Timescales
- Planning Permission: 8–10 weeks (depending on the Council’s workload)
- Building Warrant: 6–8 weeks
- Construction: Varies, typically 8–20 weeks depending on complexity
By preparing well-documented drawings and anticipating possible queries, we often help clients avoid unnecessary delays.
5. How Biomorphis Can Help
We’ve helped many Edinburgh homeowners extend their homes seamlessly, balancing design ambition with local regulations.
Whether you’re planning a modest kitchen extension or a contemporary reconfiguration of your home, we can advise on:
- Whether your proposal qualifies as Permitted Development
- Preparing and submitting Planning and Warrant drawings
- Liaising with Edinburgh Council
- Managing structural engineer coordination
- Overseeing your project to completion
Our goal is to make the process clear, creative, and stress-free.
6. Get in Touch
Thinking about extending your home in Edinburgh?
Contact us at Biomorphis for a free initial consultation. We’ll review your ideas, advise on whether planning permission is required, and help you take the next step with confidence.