Can I Add A Porch Without Planning Permission?

Many would assume that you only have to get planning permission for a home improvement project when it involves a drastic change to a house, such as adding a large extension onto it. 

You may not necessarily expect to have to potentially obtain planning permission for a porch, but that is sometimes the case. 

It all depends on whether the porch you propose having integrated into your property satisfies Permitted Development Rights. If it does, you definitely will not require planning permission and can proceed with the installation without delay. 

In order to be considered a ‘Permitted Development’, a porch MUST comply with the following guidelines:

1. the ground floor area (measured externally) would not exceed three square metres.
2. no part would be more than three metres above ground level (height needs to be measured in the same way as for a house extension).
3. no part of the porch would be within two metres of any boundary of the dwellinghouse and the highway.

When it cannot be categorised as a Permitted Development, you will have to submit a planning application to your local authority. 

This can be done online via the Planning Portal website.

Then, there’s building regulations approval to think about. Again, a porch can be exempt from building regulations approval, but only when it satisfies the following guidelines:

• the front entrance door between the existing house and the new porch must remain in place
• if the house has ramped or level access for disabled people, the porch must not adversely affect access.

If you’re unsure if building regulations approval will be needed, you should get in touch with your local building control department for advice. 

Permaframe supplies a wide selection of UPVC and brick porches. If you choose to buy one from us, we will find out for you if planning permission and / or building regulations approval is necessary, and take charge of obtaining either or both on your behalf.