When Do I Need Planning Permission for a Porch?

The good news is that, under Permitted Development (PD) rights, most porches can be built without needing formal planning permission. However, there are important criteria you must meet to ensure your porch falls under Permitted Development. In this guide, we’ll go through the details to help you determine whether your porch requires planning permission or not.

What Are Permitted Development Rights?

Permitted Development rights allow homeowners to carry out certain types of work without needing to submit a planning application. This includes building a porch, provided you meet specific size and location criteria. Let’s look at the rules to see if your porch falls under Permitted Development.

Criteria for Permitted Development for a Porch

To build a porch without needing planning permission, you must comply with the following conditions:

1. Size Restrictions:

   • The ground area of the porch must not exceed 3 square metres. This includes the footprint of the porch as it extends from your property. If the porch is larger than this, planning permission will be required.

2. Height Limit:

   • The maximum height of your porch should not exceed 3 metres. If you plan on building a taller structure, it will need planning permission to ensure it doesn’t impact the street scene or neighbouring properties.

3. Distance from Boundaries:

   • Your porch must be no closer than 2 metres to any boundary that adjoins a road. This means that if your house is set back from the pavement, you have a bit more freedom. However, if your property is close to the road, you need to ensure that your porch doesn’t encroach too much.

4. Placement of the Porch:

   • The porch must be built on the principal elevation (usually the front door) and should not extend in a way that impacts the neighbouring property. This is to ensure that the porch doesn’t interfere with sightlines or cause privacy issues for neighbours.

When Planning Permission Is Required for a Porch

While most porches don’t require planning permission, there are situations where you will definitely need to apply:

1. Listed Buildings:

   • If your property is a listed building, planning permission will be required. Listed buildings have stricter regulations to preserve their historical features, and this includes the construction of any additional structures, including porches.

2. Conservation Areas and AONB:

   • If your property is located in a conservation area, National Park, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), you may need to apply for planning permission. These areas have additional protections in place to ensure any new additions are in keeping with the character of the area.

3. Extending a Larger Structure:

   • If the porch is planned as part of a larger extension or as an add-on to another building project, then you may need planning permission. The porch may be considered part of the wider project rather than a standalone feature.

4. Flats and Maisonettes:

   • Permitted Development rights do not apply to flats, maisonettes, or any non-detached dwellings. If you live in a converted flat, you’ll need to apply for planning permission before adding a porch.

Building Regulations for Porches

Even if your porch doesn’t require planning permission, it’s also important to consider Building Regulations. While smaller porches are typically exempt from these rules, there are certain conditions that, if met, will require compliance:

• Thermal Performance: If your porch is intended to be part of the internal area of your home and not separated by an external-quality door, it may need to meet insulation requirements as per Building Regulations.

• Access to the Home: Any porch must not adversely impact wheelchair access to your home. Building Regulations ensure the porch is accessible, particularly if it will be an entrance to a dwelling used by people with mobility challenges.

• Electrical Safety: If you’re installing electrical fittings in the porch, they will need to comply with Part P of Building Regulations, which is related to electrical safety. Always use a qualified electrician to carry out any installation to ensure compliance.

Advantages of Adding a Porch

Adding a porch can bring many benefits, whether or not planning permission is required. Here are some key advantages:

• Curb Appeal: A porch can improve the aesthetic of your home, making it look more appealing and creating a welcoming entrance.

• Extra Storage: Porches are ideal for extra storage space—perfect for keeping shoes, umbrellas, and other outdoor items that would otherwise clutter your home.

• Energy Efficiency: A porch can act as an extra layer of insulation, helping keep heat in during the colder months and reducing drafts.

Applying for Planning Permission

If you do need planning permission, here’s a quick guide on what to do:

1. Contact Your Local Planning Authority (LPA):

   • Begin by contacting your Local Planning Authority. They can help confirm whether you need planning permission for your porch and provide you with the necessary guidance on applying.

2. Submit Your Application:

   • Planning applications can be submitted through the Planning Portal, an online tool that allows you to complete all paperwork and submit it to your LPA. Make sure you include drawings, dimensions, and details about the materials you plan to use. Generally, it takes about 8 weeks for a decision to be made.

Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement?

If you’re planning to build your porch near a shared boundary, you may need a Party Wall Agreement with your neighbour. This is particularly relevant if the new structure involves digging foundations close to the boundary. Speak to a Party Wall Surveyor to understand whether this is necessary.

FAQs About Building a Porch

1. Do I need planning permission for a front porch?

   • If your porch is within Permitted Development rules—meaning it’s under 3 square metres, less than 3 metres high, and more than 2 metres from any boundary with a road—then you won’t need planning permission.

2. Can I build a porch on a listed building?

   • Yes, but you will need planning permission due to the extra regulations in place to protect the historic character of listed properties.

3. What if my porch is attached to a flat or maisonette?

   • Permitted Development does not apply to flats or maisonettes, meaning planning permission will always be required.

When Do I Need Planning Permission For a Porch?

When considering “When do I need planning permission for a porch?“, it largely depends on the size, height, and location of your proposed porch. For many properties, a small porch that complies with Permitted Development conditions can be added without any need for planning permission. However, if your property is listed, in a conservation area, or if the proposed porch exceeds these conditions, you’ll need to apply for planning permission before starting work.

Adding a porch can provide practical benefits as well as improve the overall appearance of your home. Before you start your project, make sure you understand both the planning and building regulations that apply, and consider consulting professionals like those at Surv Essex for guidance every step of the way.