Supplementary Planning Document Number 2 - A Guide for Designing House Alterations and Extensions

Oct 24, 2026

Supplementary Planning Document Number 2 provides design guidance for homeowners and building designers considering house extensions and/or alterations in Bristol. It explains how proposals should align with adopted local planning policies, including respect for the original property’s form, siting, materials, and character, and for the wider area’s street pattern and amenity. The document covers residential context, listed buildings and conservation areas, planning application requirements, and detailed design guidance on alterations, extensions, roofs, balconies, terraces, and garages. It also summarizes key actions, advice, and supporting information for applicants.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages28

Reading Time1 h 11 min

AccessFree to download

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Residential Context

3.0 Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas

4.0 Householder Planning Applications

4.1 Do You Need Planning Permission?

4.2 Information with your Planning Application

4.3 Public Consultation

5.0 Design Guidelines

5.1 General Points

5.2 Inclusive Home Design

5.3 Sustainable Design and Construction

5.4 Alterations

5.5 Extensions

5.6 Alteration to Roofs

5.7 Balconies and Terraces

5.8 Garages and Parking

6.0 Advice and Further Information

7.0 Bibliography

8.0 Glossary

Supplementary Planning Document Number 2 A Guide for Designing House Alterations and Extensions October 2005 Supplementary Planning Document Number 2 If you would like this information in a different format, for example Braille, audio tape, large print or computer disc, or community languages, please contact the Strategic and Citywide Policy Team on: 0117 903 6724 CONTENTS page no. 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 2.0 RESIDENTIAL CONTEXT 2 3.0 LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS 3 4.0 HOUSEHOLDER PLANNING APPLICATIONS 4 4.1 Do You Need Planning Permission? 4 4.2 Information with your Planning Application 4 4.3 Public Consultation 4 5.0 DESIGN GUIDELINES 5 5.1 General Points 5 5.2 Inclusive Home Design 6 5.3 Sustainable Design and Construction 6 5.4 Alterations 7 5.5 Extensions 8 5.6 Alteration to Roofs 15 5.7 Balconies and Terraces 17 5.8 Garages and Parking 18 6.0 ADVICE AND FURTHER INFORMATION 20 7.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY 20 8.0 GLOSSARY 21 APPENDIX 1: SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL APPENDIX 2: SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC COMMENTS RESPONSESAND ACTIONS Appendix 1 & 2 are available separately and can be viewed at: [www.bristol-city.gov.uk/planningpolicy](www.bristol-city.gov.uk/planningpolicy) Any copying or reproduction of parts of this document must contain an acknowledgment of its source and title. Supplementary Planning Document Number 2 SUMMARY OF POINTS Before you start work: Find out whether a planning application is required. Contact Customer Services for a Householders Guide’ and a ‘permitted development’ enquiry form. Note that a Building Regulations application will be required formost types of house extensions. Get advice if you need it: If necessary, get skilled technical advice from an experienced architect or surveyor to design, prepare drawings and make an application on your behalf. Follow the design guidance: These notes will help towards a successful planning application and good design solution. Following the advice may also lead to an early approval of your planning application. Look at your surroundings: Ensure your proposal respects the context of your neighbourhood. Detailing and use of materials: Ensure that your proposal fits in with the detailed design and materials of your existing house. Be a good neighbour: Consult your neighbour if your proposal may affect their home or privacy, or if you will need to gain access for building work or maintenance. Submit full information: Support your application with clear, accurate drawings showing the existing buildings and what is proposed, any adjoining or neighbouring buildings, and notes to show existing and proposed materials. Photographs are also recommended. A Guide for Designing House Alterations and Extensions 1.0 INTRODUCTION This Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) sets out design guidance for homeowners and building designers on the design of house extensions and/or alterations. It is one of a series of documents produced by the City Council encouraging high standards of development and environmental quality in Bristol. The design guide has been produced in recognition of the visual and amenity impact that extensions can have on the quality of individual houses and the street scene in general. The document provides guidance to assist in the understanding and implementation of Policy B9 of the Bristol Local Plan 1997, and the general urban design policies B1-B7. Bristol Local Plan Policy: B9 House extensions and alterations will be permitted provided they: • respect the form, siting, materials, details and character of the original property and its curtilage; • respect the characteristics of the wider area, particularly where the property forms part of a semi-detached pair, a terrace, or a formal street pattern; • would not cause unacceptable harm to the amenities of neighbouring occupiers; • retain adequate car parking within the site. The purpose of the des

FAQs

What is the purpose of Supplementary Planning Document Number 2 (SPD 2)?

SPD 2 sets out council design guidance and expectations for house extensions and/or alterations, focusing on broad issues such as scale, height, massing, layout, landscape, and parking. It aims to support successful planning applications without imposing rigid controls.

When do you need planning permission for a house alteration or extension?

The document includes a dedicated section on whether planning permission is required. It emphasizes that applicants should first find out if a planning application is required before starting work.

What planning principles must proposals follow in Bristol?

Proposals should respect the original property’s form, siting, materials, details, and character, and also respect the characteristics of the wider area. They must avoid unacceptable harm to neighbours’ amenities and retain adequate car parking within the site.

Oct 24, 2026

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