Planning Permission in Surrey Heath Borough – A Complete Guide 

This guide explains how planning permission works in Surrey Heath Borough Council’s area – covering Camberley, Bagshot, Lightwater, Bisley, Windlesham, Chobham, Mytchett, Frimley and Deepcut. It sets out application types, fees, timelines, Permitted Development rights and conservation constraints. It is written by RIBA Chartered architects who submit applications to Surrey Heath. For your specific property, we offer free initial consultations.

Do You Need Planning Permission in Surrey Heath?

Many smaller works are covered by Permitted Development rights under national planning law. As a general rule, single-storey rear extensions within size limits and most loft conversions are PD; two-storey extensions almost always need planning permission; and anything in a conservation area or Article 4 zone needs permission. Surrey Heath also contains significant Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) land, which adds an ecology consideration to some applications near heathland.

Permitted Development in Surrey Heath – Key Limits

Single-storey rear extensions

Detached: up to 4m deep (8m under the Larger Home Extension scheme with Prior Approval). Semi-detached and terraced: up to 3m deep (6m with Prior Approval). Maximum height 4m; eaves 3m within 2m of a boundary; materials similar to the existing house.

Two-storey rear extensions

Maximum 3m beyond the rear wall, at least 7m from the rear boundary, eaves matching the existing house. Generally require planning permission.

Loft conversions

Up to 50m³ for detached/semi-detached, 40m³ for terraced. No extension beyond the roof slope on the principal elevation fronting a road.

Outbuildings

Maximum 50% curtilage coverage; max height 4m (dual-pitched) or 3m (other); single-storey; not forward of the principal elevation.

Conservation Areas & SPA Constraints

Surrey Heath includes conservation areas in and around Bagshot, Chobham, Windlesham and Camberley, where PD is restricted and sympathetic materials are expected. Properties within 400m–5km of the Thames Basin Heaths SPA may also require a developer contribution (SANG/SAMM) for net new dwellings. We check both as part of a feasibility study.

Timelines

How We Help Across Surrey Heath

We design and submit residential applications throughout the borough. Explore our local pages for Camberley, Bagshot, Lightwater, Bisley, Windlesham and Chobham. See our Highclere project in Bagshot, or get in touch for a free consultation.

FAQs

Does the Thames Basin Heaths SPA affect my extension? 

Householder extensions usually aren’t affected, but net new dwellings near the SPA may require a SANG/SAMM contribution. We confirm this at feasibility stage.

How long does a Surrey Heath householder application take? 

8 weeks from validation, with validation typically 1–2 weeks after submission.