Example
This page shows a full planning supporting statement for a single-storey rear extension in London Borough of Hackney. Each section is annotated with commentary explaining what the statement is doing and why it works. You can use this as a template and guide for your own application.
This example was generated using Planabl. The property address is fictional. The policy references — NPPF 2023, London Plan 2021, Hackney Local Plan, and Hackney Residential Extensions SPD — are real and accurate.
42 Richmond Road, London, E8 4PH · London Borough of Hackney
1.1 This planning supporting statement has been prepared in support of a full planning application for a single-storey rear extension at 42 Richmond Road, London, E8 4PH, within the administrative area of the London Borough of Hackney.
1.2 The proposed development comprises a single-storey rear extension measuring 4.0m in depth and 5.0m in width, with a flat roof at a height of 3.0m. The extension will incorporate bi-fold doors opening onto the rear garden and internal alterations to create an open-plan kitchen and dining space.
1.3 The application is supported by the necessary plans and drawings showing the existing and proposed elevations, floor plans, and site layout.
What this does well: The introduction is brief and factual. It states the site address, the LPA, and the key dimensions of the proposal in the second paragraph — giving the planning officer everything they need to identify the application immediately. Drawing references are included. No waffle.
2.1 The application site comprises a two-storey Victorian mid-terraced dwelling located on Richmond Road in the London Borough of Hackney. The property sits within a residential street characterised by uniform Victorian terrace housing of similar scale, form, and material palette.
2.2 The rear of the property faces south-west and benefits from an enclosed garden. There are no designated heritage assets on or immediately adjacent to the site, and the property does not fall within a Conservation Area.
2.3 An informal survey of neighbouring properties indicates that several comparable single-storey rear extensions exist within the immediate vicinity, establishing a precedent for this form of development.
What this does well: Paragraph 2.2 explicitly states that the site is not in a conservation area and is not near a listed building. This pre-empts any heritage concern. Paragraph 2.3 establishes precedent — showing that similar extensions already exist on the street is a powerful material consideration.
3.1 The proposed development involves the construction of a single-storey rear extension to the ground floor of 42 Richmond Road. The extension will measure 4.0 metres in depth, 5.0 metres in width, and 3.0 metres in height to a flat roof with parapet. External materials will comprise London stock brick to match the existing dwelling, with a GRP flat roof finish and aluminium bi-fold doors to the full rear elevation.
3.2 The internal works will reconfigure the existing ground floor to create a single open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space. No changes are proposed to the front elevation, roof form, or the upper floors of the dwelling.
What this does well: Specific measurements, materials, and finishes are stated clearly. The final sentence explicitly confirms what is not changing — important because it reassures the planning officer that the front elevation (visible from the street) is unaffected.
4.1 Paragraph 4 of the NPPF 2023 confirms that planning decisions must be made in accordance with the development plan. Paragraph 11 introduces the presumption in favour of sustainable development. Paragraphs 124 and 130 require that development be visually attractive, sympathetic to local character, and not undermine local distinctiveness.
4.2 The London Plan 2021 forms part of the statutory development plan. Policy D3 requires a design-led approach; Policy D4 requires high quality design; Policy D6 requires good quality living environments for occupants.
4.3 Policy DM2 of Hackney's Development Management Local Plan requires that extensions be subordinate in scale, retain at least 50% of the rear garden area, and comply with the 45-degree rule. The Hackney Residential Extensions SPD advises a maximum depth of 4m for mid-terrace properties.
What this does well: The policy framework is structured in three clear tiers — national (NPPF), regional (London Plan), and local (Hackney Local Plan and SPD). Only the relevant policies are cited. Policy DM2 and the SPD depth guidance are quoted precisely, setting up the compliance case in Section 5.
Design and character
5.1 The extension is single-storey, situated entirely to the rear of the property, and will not be visible from Richmond Road. The flat-roof form and matching brick materials are consistent with extensions on comparable properties in the street. The proposal accords with NPPF paragraphs 124 and 130 and London Plan Policies D3 and D4.
Compliance with Policy DM2 and the SPD
5.2 The proposed depth of 4.0m accords precisely with the maximum depth advised in the Hackney Residential Extensions SPD for mid-terrace properties. The extension is subordinate to the host dwelling and does not represent a disproportionate addition.
5.3 The existing rear garden measures approximately 12m in depth. Following construction of the 4.0m extension, the remaining garden will retain a depth of 8m — representing a retention of 66% of the original garden depth, comfortably exceeding the 50% requirement of Policy DM2.
Neighbouring amenity
5.4 The proposed extension does not project beyond the established rear building lines of the neighbouring properties. The extension complies with the 45-degree rule when assessed from the nearest habitable room windows of adjacent dwellings. There is no material loss of daylight or sunlight to neighbouring properties.
5.5 The bi-fold doors face directly onto the applicant's own rear garden and do not create overlooking of neighbouring properties or gardens. The proposal does not result in any overbearing impact on neighbouring occupiers.
Living conditions
5.6 The extension will provide an improved open-plan kitchen and dining space, enhancing the quality and functionality of the dwelling in accordance with London Plan Policy D6.
What this does well: Section 5 uses sub-headings to organise the assessment by topic. Each policy cited in Section 4 is addressed specifically. The garden retention calculation (66% vs the 50% requirement) shows the work — it doesn't just assert compliance, it proves it with numbers. The amenity assessment addresses daylight, overlooking, and overbearing impact individually.
6.1 The proposed single-storey rear extension at 42 Richmond Road is acceptable in planning terms. The development is consistent with Policy DM2 of the Hackney Development Management Local Plan, the Hackney Residential Extensions SPD, London Plan Policies D3, D4 and D6, and the design and amenity principles of the NPPF 2023.
6.2 The extension retains 66% of the rear garden, complies with the SPD depth guidance, preserves the amenity of neighbouring occupiers, and is constructed in matching materials. Planning permission should be granted without delay in accordance with the paragraph 11 presumption in favour of sustainable development.
What this does well: The conclusion ties back to every policy cited in Section 4. It repeats the key compliance figures (66% garden retention, SPD depth compliance). The final sentence invokes the paragraph 11 presumption — reminding the planning officer that the default position is to approve proposals that accord with the development plan.
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