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Building regulations

Building a porch at ground level and under 30 square metres in floor area is normally exempt from the need for building regulations approval.

This is provided that glazing1 and any fixed electrical installations2 comply with the appropriate sections of building regulations.

For a porch to be exempt from building regulations approval:

  • 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.

Please note: The three square metres permitted development limit is separate from the 30 square metres referred to in the building regulations.

Things to consider

You may find it helpful to use the following third-party commercial service to plan your home improvement project:

This link will take you to information about their services.

  1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/home-improvement/planning-consultancy-calculator

Find a Trade Professional

Use our partner directories from CIAT, FMB or RTPI to find an chartered architectural technologist, builder or planning consultant to help with your project or development.

Find a professional


Useful links

Make an application Studio Charrette planning consultancy calculator
    1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/doors-and-windows/building-regulations
    2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/electrics/building-regulations-general-information

    The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2024 Planning Portal.

    The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2024 Planning Portal.