Do I Need Planning Permission for a Porch?
Porches under 3m² (measured externally) are one of the most generous PD exemptions. They do not need planning permission OR Building Regulations approval, provided they meet simple height and boundary conditions.
The 3m² porch exemption
The 3m² porch exemption
Under Class D of the GPDO, you can build a porch without planning permission if: the floor area is 3m² or less (measured externally), the height does not exceed 3m, and no part is within 2m of any boundary that fronts a highway. This exemption is separate from the main extension PD rules.
Porches over 3m²
If your porch exceeds 3m², it is treated as a single-storey extension and must comply with standard PD rules (depth, height, boundary conditions). It will also require Building Regulations approval.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Extension guides
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Planning permission rules for porches — the 3m² exemption explained, Building Regulations, and when you need to apply.
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