Can I Add a Porch Without Planning Permission?
Yes, in most cases — porches are permitted development under Class D of the GPDO 2015 if they meet three conditions:
Ground area does not exceed 3 square metres (measured externally), height does not exceed 3 metres, and no part is within 2 metres of any boundary that fronts a highway.
If your porch meets all three conditions and your property is not a listed building, you do not need planning permission.
Last updated: April 2026
When you will need planning permission
- The porch exceeds 3m² in ground area or 3m in height
- Any part of the porch is within 2m of a highway boundary
- Your property is a listed building
- An Article 4 direction removes Class D rights at your address (some conservation areas restrict porch additions)
Building regulations
Porches are usually exempt from building regulations if:
- The ground floor area is less than 30m²
- The porch is at ground level
- It is not heated
If your porch involves any structural work to the existing house (for example, removing or altering an external wall), building regulations will apply to that element of the work.
Electrical work within the porch may need certification under Part P if it involves new circuits.
Do not forget
A Lawful Development Certificate (£274) gives you formal proof your porch is permitted development. Worth having when you sell. Read why.
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