Does 45 degree rule apply permitted development?
Matthew Alvarez
Updated on May 05, 2026
Herein, does the 45 degree rule apply to single storey extensions?
Basically an imaginary line is drawn at 45 degrees from the mid point of your neighbours nearest windows across the boundary and no part of your proposed extension should cross this line. However this rule, dependant on the site can be flexible and is not applied in all cases.
Also, what is allowed under permitted development? An extension or addition to your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, provided certain limits and conditions are met. No more than half the area of land around the “original house”* would be covered by additions or other buildings.
Keeping this in view, can Neighbours oppose permitted development?
If you know a proposed development may restrict your neighbours right to light, even after planning permission has been granted or you are building under your Permitted Development rights, they have the right to oppose the extension being built.
What is the 25 degree rule?
The 25 Degree Rule of Thumb Suitable daylight for habitable rooms is achieved when a 25 degree vertical angle taken from the centre of the lowest windows is kept unobstructed. See diagram 2. The recommended distance between the buildings is dependent on the opposing property ridge height.