Kitchen Extension Planning Permission in Cambridge

Most single-storey rear kitchen extensions in Cambridge fall under permitted development, meaning no full planning application is needed - but the limits are specific, and Cambridge City Council's extensive conservation area coverage can remove that right entirely on some streets.

Permitted development limits

A single-storey rear extension is commonly allowed up to 3m beyond the rear wall for a terraced or semi-detached house, or 4m for a detached one, without needing planning permission. The "larger home extension" prior approval scheme extends those limits to 6m and 8m respectively, but requires notifying neighbours via the council and waiting out an objection period first. Height limits also apply - commonly around 4m maximum, and no higher than 4m within 2m of a boundary.

Where it gets more complicated

Cambridge's Victorian terraced housing around Mill Road, Romsey and Petersfield sees a lot of rear extensions, but a meaningful share of the city sits within a conservation area through Cambridge City Council's process, which can mean closer scrutiny of materials, roofline and rear elevations than a standard permitted development check.

Get it confirmed, don't assume it

A Lawful Development Certificate from Cambridge City Council is a formal, low-cost confirmation that protects you if a neighbour complains or you sell the house later. A builder who works regularly in your specific part of the city will usually already know whether your street sits inside a conservation area.