Do you need planning permission for a porch?

We created this guide so that you can consider if you need planning permission for a new porch. Below are the permitted development rights for porches, including when you can and can't build a porch without first obtaining planning permission.

Please note that planning rules do change and that you must always check with your local planning office before starting work building a porch.

At Everest, we have an expert team who oversee planning permission and building regulations. We work with your local planning office to ensure that all rules and regulations are met. If you would like to talk to us about a project, contact us here.

Do you need planning permission for a Porch? (Updated for 2023)

Porches are usually built to the front of a house covering the main entrance, with a brick or stone base and have glazed windows on one or two sides and a door. Not quite an extension and not quite a conservatory, a porch has its own rules for planning permission.

The good news is that a porch DOESN'T need planning permission if it adheres to the permitted development rights guidelines specifically for porches:

Porch

You don't need planning permission for a porch if the floor space is less than three metres square.

Building regulation approval is required on the windows and electrical work. Registered installers (such as Everest) will provide building approval for you.

You DO need planning permission if:

1. The ground area is more than three square metres (including the walls)
2. The highest point is more than three metres in height
3. Is within two metres of a boundary and the road

You MAY need permission if you live in a listed building, designated area or fall under an Article 4 Direction.

How big can you build a porch without planning permission?

You can build a porch up to (and including) three metres square of ground area without needing planning permission (this is measured from the outside, so you have to factor in the thickness of the walls). The porch can't be higher than three metres at the highest point and it must be over two metres from the road or the boundary.

To make a build worthwhile with enough additional space, we recommend that a porch is no smaller than two square metres. Therefore, the ideal size for a porch that doesn't need planning permission would be between two and three square metres.

Read more: Do you need planning permission to move a front door?

Do you need building regulations for a porch?

An extension or conservatory that's under 30 square metres of floor area is exempt from building regulations.

Therefore, a porch of three metres or less DOESN'T need building regulations. Electrics and windows are required to meet building regulation.

Other restrictions that you need to check before building a porch

When starting any building project, you should always check with your local planning office to make sure that you're within permitted development rights and that there aren't any local regulations that apply:

Change of use

If you have a house that was created by the permitted development rights change of use or a converted house, then you might be subject to planning permission.

Article 4 Direction

Local authorities may have an article 4 direction that gives them the right to withdraw usual permitted development rights.

Listed buildings

Listed buildings are subject to much tighter permitted development rights than other properties. Before you add a porch, you'll need listed building consent.

Designated land

Designated areas, such as Conservation Areas, National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites also have more restricted rights for development. As with listed buildings, you'll need to gain approval from the relevant authority for your porch.

Restrictive covenants

A previous owner of your property might have added a restrictive covenant to your house that could stop you from any development or building work on the house or land. When you bought the property, it was up to your conveyancing solicitor to tell you about any covenants. If in doubt, check with your solicitor.