If the conservatory is not separated from the house by external quality walls, doors or windows, then it will lose its building regulations exempt status. As such it will be required to adhere to thermal efficiency rules and ventilation rules.

The new opening created from removal of the door will also need building regulations approval.

Find out more from our conservatories common project

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Yes, under permitted development, a new dormer must not be higher than the existing highest part of the roof. It should also have materials that are in similar appearance to the existing roof. Additional limits apply in conservation areas and on listed buildings. Read about planning permission for loft conversions on Planning Portal

Two storey rear extensions are considered to be permitted development, meaning they do not require an application for planning permission provided certain limits and conditions are met. If these limits are exceeded then you will need to apply for planning permission from the local planning authority.

Houses on designated land such as national parks or conservation areas are excluded from the permitted development rights and will require an application for planning permission.

To fall within permitted development rights, the extension should be no higher than the existing house, and where it is within two metres of a boundary, the eaves should be no higher than three metres. 

Any double storey extension to the side or front of the house will require planning permission. You can view the full limits and conditions on our Two-storey extension Mini Guide.

If you live in a listed building you will require listed building consent for any major works to the property.

You will not need planning permission if a new or replacement driveway of any size uses permeable (or porous) surfacing which allows water to drain through, or if the rainwater is directed to a lawn or border to drain naturally.

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If the surface to be covered is more than five square metres planning permission will be needed for laying traditional, impermeable driveways that do not provide for the water to run to a permeable area.

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This guidance applies to houses, there are different rules for flats and maisonettes, converted houses, new houses or areas where there permitted development rights may be restricted.

Read about paving your front garden

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You may need to consider if a dropped kerb is required, largely dropped kerbs are not a planning matter but you will need to apply to your local council.  

Find out more about dropped kerbs

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Adding a porch canopy is classed as permitted development provided it meets the limits and conditions set out in legislation. Where this is the case, no application for planning permission is required.

Porches must meet the following limits:

• the ground floor area (measured externally) would not exceed three square metres.
• no part would be more than three metres aboveground level (height needs to be measured in the same way as for a house extension).
• no part of the porch would be within two metres of any boundary of the dwellinghouse and the highway.

Read our mini guide for additional information on installing a porch.

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