We are currently in the process of selling our house and have found a bungalow we really like. 
 

We would be keen to extend the current L-shape and square it off in a single storey extension; however to do so it would require us extending the front, bringing the front door forward ideally and adding 1-2 extra rooms as part of the single storey extension. 
 

I can’t see any information on front bungalow development so I’m really wondering;

- would we need to get planning permission to square off the bungalow in a single storey front extension (not exceeding current front boundary but bringing front door and extra 1-2 rooms alongside the living room)

- would we have any potential issues with 45 degree rule etc? As per the second picture the neighbouring property might be affected but I was thinking if we only extended one room, to roughly where my partner is in the photo, 45 degree angle shouldn’t be an issue?

 

Thanks so much! Keen to get a feeling before we bid on this property, thank you

 

Craig

I would say with next door's windows on the side, not a chance you'll get PP for a front extension. If that's a habitable room next door, your extension would need to be under a line at 25 degrees from the horizontal from the centre of the window, which it won't be. https://www.sdcc.ie/en/devplan2022/adopted-plan/related-documents/site-layout-planning-for-daylight-and-sunlight-a-guide-to-good-practice.pdf - that's the UK document BTW that an irish council has kindly put online.....

Edited October 2, 20251 yr by mr rusty

I would echo those comments. You'll need planning consent and you are going to have to carefully consider the impact on the neighbour's windows. In this case it'll be not just the 45 degree splay but don't be surprised if the planners ask for a formal assessment of the daylighting impact on the neighbours rooms as well.