New Porch - what are the rules & regs?

bh026

Hi,

I'm planning build a new porch at the entrance of the property and I''m not sure what I'm legally allowed to do? I got a builder in to advise me on this and have so far received varying answer. One suggested that I can extend out by 1 meter without any problems and other suggested I can extend out only as far as my furtherest external wall i.e. in effect can only make it parrallel to the front wall.

Can someone please advise how far can I extend legally without getting planning permission from the council. And would I need some form of consent and/or buildings consent approval from the council?

The council is Ealing and the area is Sudbury Hill / Greenford.

BitterAndTwisted

It's my understanding that you don't need planning permission to replace an existing porch. There may be local limits if you want to replace with a larger one. What you may will is to confirm to current buildings regulations.

Your first post of call should be to your local authority for guidance.

mrschaucer

Have a look at the gov's Planning Portal for the lowdown. Porches are here http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/porch/miniguide

bh026

Hey thanks Mrs Schaucer. Planning portal is an amazing size.

I can now build a porch of the max size 3 sq. meters without any consent. Great!!!!

Linus2864

You may also wish to check if there are any restricitive covenants on the property requiring you to get permission for any structural changes from the original developer (or from the council if it is an ex-council house).

These are different from planning controls and restrict the oriignal buyers (and any further buyers) from carrying out any works that change the outward appearance, or that are not in keeping with neighbouring properties etc etc.

Any covenants should be specified in the deeds and you can usually apply for permission from the original developers or the council for a fee.

Hope this helps

bh026

Thanks Linus.

Hmmmm.. This is very interesting. If I have to get the consent from the original owners then I don't know where I will go. This is because it's a property which was built in 1924. I'll check with my solicitor whether there are any convenants which requires me to get permission from someone.

McKneff

Thanks for the link Mrs Chaucer, I thought you had to have planning permission for anything that changed to footprint of your house outside.

Been thinking of a porch for a long time, this might just give me the motivation to get on with it.

McKneff

Anyone got a ball park figure for a porch 3 x 3 x 3, half wall and windows around and obviously a door.

beckythemadcow

by the way a porch 3m x 3m would be 9 square metres. That is bigger than you are allowed.

1.7m x 1.7m = 2.89 square metres

McKneff

beckythemadcow wrote: »

by the way a porch 3m x 3m would be 9 square metres. That is bigger than you are allowed.

1.7m x 1.7m = 2.89 square metres

Your right of course, :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
senior moment, I worked in the concrete industry in the office for many years, estimating cubes, etc, etc. Cant believe that I did that.

Thanks againl.