Tools · Do I need planning permission?

Do you need planning permission for a porch?

A porch is permitted development if it stays within 3 square metres, no taller than 3 metres, and at least 2 metres from any boundary with a road.

Across the 218 councils we track, 86% of 24,907 decided porch applications were approved, and typical council decision times run 8 to 10 weeks (public planning record to 3 Jul 2026).

First, about your home

What kind of home is it?

These permitted development rights apply to houses. Flats and maisonettes do not have them.

Is the building listed?

Work to a listed building usually needs listed building consent as well as planning permission. Outbuildings and boundary walls within the grounds of a listed building also need permission.

Is your home in a conservation area, National Park, the Broads, an area of outstanding natural beauty, or a World Heritage Site?

The rules call this designated land. Several permitted development rights are reduced or removed there. If you are not sure, your council's website says which areas are designated.

Now, about a porch

Will the porch floor area be more than 3 square metres?
Will any part of it be taller than 3 metres?
Will it come within 2 metres of a boundary facing a road?

0 of 6 questions answered. Answer them all to see where your project stands. Not sure is always an option.

What actually happens in your council

If you do end up applying, real decisions show what to expect. Pick your council for its approval rate and typical decision time for porch applications, from the public planning record.

The rules this checker tests, cited

England’s permitted development limits for a porch, checked against the official guidance on 2026-07-17. Every rule links to its source.

Building Regulations are separate from planning. A porch at ground level under 30 square metres is usually exempt from Building Regulations, as long as the front door between house and porch stays in place and the porch glazing and electrics comply.

If permission is needed: usually a £548 application in England (fees from 1 April 2026, indexed each year, per the official fee guide (opens in new tab)). A Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed project is £274.

If you take it forward

Real planning history beats promises. See which architects and agents know your council, check approval odds by council and project, or browse traders with public evidence:

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Common questions

Do I need planning permission for a porch in England?

Often not: A porch is permitted development if it stays within 3 square metres, no taller than 3 metres, and at least 2 metres from any boundary with a road. Every limit has to be met, the rights apply to houses (not flats), and they can be removed locally by an Article 4 direction or a condition on an earlier permission. A Lawful Development Certificate from your council is the way to be certain.

Will the porch floor area be more than 3 square metres?

A porch must not exceed 3 square metres of ground area (measured externally). Source: GPDO Schedule 2, Part 1, Class D, paragraph D.1(a).

Will any part of it be taller than 3 metres?

A porch must not be taller than 3 metres above ground level. Source: GPDO Schedule 2, Part 1, Class D, paragraph D.1(b).

Will it come within 2 metres of a boundary facing a road?

A porch must be at least 2 metres from any boundary of the house that faces a road. Source: GPDO Schedule 2, Part 1, Class D, paragraph D.1(c).

How much does a planning application for a porch cost?

If permission is needed, this kind of project is usually a £548 application in England (fees from 1 April 2026, indexed annually). A Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed project costs half the application fee.

Guidance from the public rules, not legal advice. Your council has the final say. The rules on this page are England law; Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own versions.

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