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Do I need planning or building control for covered outdoor kitchen?
If an outdoor kitchen is not a permanent structure, then planning permission will normally not be required.
Where planning permission is required, it may be granted through permitted development rights, provided it meets the limits set out in legislation. Most outdoor kitchens fall within the set limits unless they are particularly tall or close to a boundary.
While there is no specific permitted development right for ‘outdoor kitchens’ it may be classified as an ‘outbuilding’.
You can view the limitations for outbuildings and outdoor kitchens in the relevant common project
If the structure exceeds the limits set out through permitted development rights, then it will require an application for planning permission.
Different rules may apply if you live in a listed building or conservation area. If this is the case, you may wish to consult your local planning authority.
Read about the building regulations that cover outdoor kitchens.
Common Questions
Climbing frames are classed as ‘outbuildings’ meaning they are classed as permitted development, not requiring an application provided they meet the limits set out in legislation. One of these limits is that they cannot be in front of the house.
The key restrictions for a climbing frame will be the height; how close it can be to the properties boundaries and where it can be located.
A full list of limits and conditions can be found on our outbuildings common projects.
If the climbing frame exceeds any of the limits set out in legislation an application for planning permission is required.
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
Work to the roof of a house (e.g. re-roofing) that does not change its external appearance will usually not require an application planning permission as it is classed as ‘permitted development’. There are certain conditions and limits that need to be met to qualify for permitted development rights.
Read more about permitted development for work to a roof.
A new roof must comply with building regulations to ensure it is structurally safe, energy efficient and properly ventilated.
Rendering or cladding the exterior walls of your house may fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required provided you meet certain limits and requirements set out in legislation.
If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant works whether internal or external.
If you live in a Conservation Area, a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or the Broads, you will need to apply for planning permission before cladding the outside of your house with stone, artificial stone, pebble dash, render, timber, plastic or tiles.
Outside these areas, cladding may be carried out without having to first apply for planning permission provided the materials are of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the house.
If the new materials will not have a similar appearance to those previously used you will be required to submit an application for planning permission.
Read more about change to external walls on our common project.
Replacing existing render
Replacing existing render on the outside of your house with render of a similar appearance will not require planning permission as it is considered permitted development.
If you are changing the external appearance of the house or in a protected area such as a conservation area, then planning permission will be required. The external appearance of the house is likely to be changed when you are changing the type or colour of the render.
If the building is listed, then you will need listed building consent.
You can usually put up new fences, gates or garden walls without planning permission, as long as you stay within permitted height limits. If the structure is adjacent to a highway (including footpaths), it must not exceed one metre in height. For all other boundaries, the maximum permitted height is two metres. Anything taller than these limits will require planning permission.
