Porch Planning Permission in the UK
A porch can be a beautiful addition to your home, making your house more inviting and giving you a nice outdoor space for relaxing. Before you get started with this project, though, you probably want to know if you will need planning or building permission for your porch installation. The answer to this question depends on the specifications of the porch. However, if it is small, uses the existing door, and is well away from the boundary or highway, your porch generally will not need planning permission. Here, we will dive into further detail about adding a porch extension and when you will need to put in a planning application.
Porch FAQs
- What, exactly, is a porch? Interestingly, there is no legal definition of a porch. Porches are generally small rooms that cover the entrance area of a building, but that is just a loose guideline. In fact, porches can be quite large, sometimes even wrapping around the entire building. For the purpose of clarity, we will just say that a porch is an extension outside an external door of a building.
- Why would a porch be exempt from planning permission? Some building projects, including porches, are considered to have already been granted planning permission through permitted development (PD) rights. This just means that homeowners are permitted to make small amendments to their homes without consulting with the local planning authority. It is always best to check with your local council, though, even if you believe your project falls under PD rights.
- When does a porch need planning permission? A porch that covers more than three square metres of ground area, including the walls, requires planning permission. Similarly, if the highest part of the porch is more than three metres tall or the porch will be within two metres of a boundary and the road, you will need to apply for permission. Additionally, an article 4 direction can give authorities the right to withdraw typical PD rights. Listed buildings fall under development rights that are far more strict than other properties, and this applies to buildings in designated areas, as well. Designated areas include Conservation Areas, National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and World Heritage sites. It is very important to gain approval from the relevant authority if you live in such a property ad want to add a porch. Restrictive covenants, too, can prevent you from building on a porch.
- Does location affect permission? If you live in a converted house or a house created by permitted development rights change of use, it is important to verify whether or not you are subject to planning permission.
- What about building regulation approval? Building regulation approval is separate from planning permission. In regard to a porch, you will need building regulation approval on the windows and the electrical work. If you live in a house with ramped or level access for people with disabilities, you must make sure that your planned porch will not negatively impact this access.
Finding the Information You Need
Because planning rules are subject to change, it is always best to check in with the appropriate authorities when you are planning any sort of addition or amendment to your home. You can typically find the information you need about planning permissions and building regulations simply by visiting the GOV.UK website. You can also visit the Planning Portal to learn more and make an application. However, if you would rather go directly to your local council’s website, we can help with that, too.
Choose Eliments for a Beautiful New Porch
For over a decade, Eliments has been enhancing and improving homes, providing high quality products and excellent customer service to hundreds of happy customers. Founded on a high standard of craftsmanship and commitment to ethical philosophy, Eliments operates from Bell Farm in North Yorkshire, supplying and installing a variety of PVC-u double glazed windows, doors, conservatories, orangeries, and roofline guttering products. Eliments serves most of the Yorkshire area, including York, Selby, Leeds, Knaresborough, Harrogate, Tadcaster, Pocklington, Goole, Beverley, Howden, Malton, Thirsk, Driffield, and the surrounding areas. Because we have flexibility in our manufacturing process, we are able to fabricate custom-made products that set us apart from other window manufacturers. We create products to suit your property, within a timescale to suit you, and all of our windows and doors are manufactured to Veka specifications. If you are looking for the very best windows, doors, and conservatories on the market today, call 08081 751 062 or contact us through our website for a free quote.
