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Kitchen Extension Planning Permission in Pimlico

08 Aug 2026

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

Permitted development limits

Without full planning permission, a single-storey rear extension in Pimlico is typically capped at 3m beyond the rear wall for terraced and semi-detached houses, or 4m for detached houses. Going further - up to 6m or 8m respectively - is possible via the "larger home extension" prior approval route, which means notifying neighbours through the City of Westminster and clearing an objection period before building.

Height limits typically apply too - commonly around 4m maximum for a single-storey rear extension, and no higher than 4m within 2m of a boundary.

What's different in Pimlico

Where the Pimlico conservation area, designated in 1968, plus the Churchill Gardens and Lillington and Longmoore Gardens conservation areas cover parts of Pimlico, permitted development rights for extensions are commonly restricted or removed entirely - materials, roofline and even window style may need to match the existing house rather than a standard modern finish. the City of Westminster's planning department can confirm your specific property's status before you commit to a design.

Get it confirmed, don't assume it

Even where permitted development likely applies, a Lawful Development Certificate from the City of Westminster 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 Pimlico will usually have a good instinct for whether your plans qualify, but the council's confirmation is what removes doubt entirely.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need planning permission for a kitchen extension in Pimlico?

Usually not up to 3m (terraced/semi-detached) or 4m (detached) beyond the rear wall - or 6m/8m via the larger home extension prior approval scheme - but the Pimlico conservation area, designated in 1968, plus the Churchill Gardens and Lillington and Longmoore Gardens conservation areas can restrict or remove this right, so check with the City of Westminster first.

What's a Lawful Development Certificate, and do I need one?

It's a formal, low-cost confirmation from the City of Westminster that your extension doesn't need planning permission because it's within permitted development. It's optional but strongly recommended, since it removes any doubt if a neighbour complains or you sell the house later.