Design of Residential Extensions and Alterations Supplementary Planning Document Consultation

Proposal

Shropshire Council is proposing a new Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to provide design guidance for residential extensions and alterations and in this way support the understanding and application of design policies in the adopted Development Plan.

The guidance in the draft Design of Residential Extensions & Alterations SPD is based on the following principles:

1. Appropriate siting and proportionate in form and scale
2. Utilising consistent or complementary materials, finishes and fenestration
3. Minimising impact on neighbouring amenity and character of neighbouring properties

If adopted, Shropshire Council planning officers would use this SPD when determining planning applications or permitted development (PD) ‘prior approval’ requests for residential extensions and alterations.

What is design?

Design is the appearance, function, sustainability and connectivity of a building or area. High-quality design maintains and enhances the character, appearance and historic interest of settlements, streetscenes, groups of buildings, individual buildings, our network of green spaces and the landscape. It creates better places in which to live and work, improves sustainability, supports active and healthy lifestyles, and ensures individual and community wellbeing.

Design in the adopted Development Plan

The adopted Development Plan includes a range of policies that address the achievement of high-quality design. Particularly relevant to the design of residential extensions & alterations are policies CS6 of the Core Strategy and policy MD2 of the SAMDev Plan.

How do SPDs support the adopted Development Plan

The purpose of SPDs, such at the draft Design of Residential Extensions & Alterations SPD, is to provide guidance to support the understanding and application of policies in the adopted Development Plan.

Let us know your thoughts

We're seeking feedback from all interested parties on the draft Design of Residential Extensions & Alterations SPD. This includes (but isn't limited to) town and parish councils, local groups, communities and the development industry.

To support those wishing to provide feedback on this SPD, we've prepared a response form, attached to this page.

Completed response forms can be submitted to us by emailing Planning.Policy@Shropshire.gov.uk

Whilst email is our preferred method to receive forms, they can also be submitted in writing by posting them to Planning Policy, Shropshire Council, PO BOX 4826, Shrewsbury, SY1 9LJ.

If you wish to provide feedback, please do so by 19 December 2025.

This consultation is consistent with our statement of community involvement.