The Larger Home Extension Scheme (LHES) allows householders to extend up to 6m on a semi or 8m on a detached property under a simplified prior approval process. The extension must be single storey and the council notifies neighbours to check for objections. If no material objections are raised within 42 days, prior approval is not required.
Havering's planning team processed this prior approval application in exactly 3 weeks — well within the 42-day period — with a 'Prior Approval Not Required' notice. No neighbours raised objections, and the notification period closed without incident.
The 6m extension was at the maximum depth for a detached property under the LHES. We prepared the drawings showing the existing and proposed floor plans, site plan, and four elevations. The drawings also confirmed compliance with the LHES conditions: single storey, eaves height no higher than 3m, and ridge no higher than 4m.
Havering's building control team approved the Full Plans submission in 3 weeks, and the builder completed the extension in 7 weeks from start. The client commented that the entire process — from instruction to building regulations approval — took less than 7 weeks, faster than they had experienced with any previous planning matter.
If you have a similar project in Havering (RM1), Planning Drawings in Havering starts from £840. Get a free quote in 60 seconds — we respond within 2 hours.