Other restrictions that you need to check before moving a front door
Apart from the limitations from permitted development rights, there can also be restrictions from other areas that you need to be aware of if you are planning on changing your doors.
Article 4 Direction
A local council has the authority to override permitted development rights with an Article 4 Direction. Always check with your local planning office for any specific rulings and directives you need to know about.
Listed buildings
Owning a listed property means that you're tightly restricted with what you can do to develop your property. Any changes made will have to be in keeping with the style of the property and need listed building consent before any works can be undertaken. This might even extend to the colour you can paint your front door.
Designated land
Similar to a listed building, designated areas such as Conservation Areas, National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites all have restrictions to the development and appearance of properties.
If you want to make any changes, including the colour of your front door and windows, you'll have to seek approval from the relevant authority.
Leaseholders
If you live in a leasehold property, you may have clauses in the lease that restrict any development of the property, including how the external appearance is maintained. Blocks of apartments and property developments often have a clause that windows and doors have to be a specified colour to be in keeping with the other properties. Before you do any work, speak to your property management company and ask for their approval.
Restrictive covenants
Properties sometimes have a covenant placed on them by a previous owner to restrict any development of the house or land. Your solicitor will have notified you of this covenant when you completed the purchase. If in doubt, check with your solicitor but it is unlikely to affect the colour or style of a front door.
More information
Information is correct at time of publication: Updated January 2023.
Planning rules are subject to change. Always seek approval from your local planning authority before starting any building work.