Updated April 2026Built from national planning rules and local authority contextUse formal checks if the proposal is close to a limit or affected by special controls
Planning topic hub

Maximum Height Rules

Use this hub when the live question is maximum height, which measurement point controls it and where the answer usually changes.

Choose the project type first

Project Types People Usually Pair With This Topic

Project hub

Agricultural Building

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for agricultural building projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Annexe

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for annexe projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Basement Conversion

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for basement conversion projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Change of Use

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for change of use projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Demolition

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for demolition projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Dormer Extension

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for dormer extension projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Driveway

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for driveway projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Dropped Kerb

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for dropped kerb projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Fences and Walls

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for fences and walls projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Garage Conversion

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for garage conversion projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Garage

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for garage projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Garden Room

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for garden room projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Hard Surfacing

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for hard surfacing projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Heat Pump

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for heat pump projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

HMO

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for hmo projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

House Extension

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for house extension projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Loft Conversion

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for loft conversion projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Outbuildings

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for outbuildings projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Porch

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for porch projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Rear Extension

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for rear extension projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Rooflight

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for rooflight projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Side Extension

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for side extension projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Single Storey Extension

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for single storey extension projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Solar Panels

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for solar panels projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Temporary Building

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for temporary building projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Two Storey Extension

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for two storey extension projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Windows and Doors

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for windows and doors projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Project hub

Wraparound Extension

Browse guidance on maximum height rules for wraparound extension projects, then move into the local pages if needed.

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Answer-first explanation

What This Topic Usually Changes

What usually applies

This topic usually decides whether one controlling measurement point is already pushing the proposal into a stricter route.

What often complicates it

Local designations, site history, measured drawings and the exact project shape often matter more than people expect once this topic is in play.

Best next step

Open the matching project type first, then use the local example pages to see where this topic actually changes the route in practice.

Common use cases

Where Maximum Height Rules Usually Shows Up

See it locally

Example Local Rule Pages

Local guide

Agricultural Building in Bedford

Open the main local guide, then use the tool and local planning context to see how maximum height rules may change the answer on the ground.

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Local guide

Agricultural Building in Central Bedfordshire

Open the main local guide, then use the tool and local planning context to see how maximum height rules may change the answer on the ground.

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Local guide

Agricultural Building in Luton

Open the main local guide, then use the tool and local planning context to see how maximum height rules may change the answer on the ground.

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Local guide

Agricultural Building in Bracknell Forest

Open the main local guide, then use the tool and local planning context to see how maximum height rules may change the answer on the ground.

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Local guide

Agricultural Building in Reading

Open the main local guide, then use the tool and local planning context to see how maximum height rules may change the answer on the ground.

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Local guide

Agricultural Building in Slough

Open the main local guide, then use the tool and local planning context to see how maximum height rules may change the answer on the ground.

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Local guide

Agricultural Building in West Berkshire

Open the main local guide, then use the tool and local planning context to see how maximum height rules may change the answer on the ground.

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Local guide

Agricultural Building in Windsor and Maidenhead

Open the main local guide, then use the tool and local planning context to see how maximum height rules may change the answer on the ground.

Open local guide
Method and legal context

Maximum Height Rules In The Wider Planning Picture

This topic is shaped by national planning legislation, permitted development rights and local authority interpretation where protected areas or policy constraints apply.

Checking both the national baseline and the local council context gives a more reliable view of whether a project can proceed as planned.

Trust and caveats

How To Use A Topic Hub Properly

Topic hubs exist to isolate the one planning issue that is blocking progress. They are most useful when paired with the matching project guide and the relevant local authority page.

Updated April 2026