Significant changes to insulation and thermal elements would normally require building regulations approval. The extent to which this applies depends on the existing insulation and what it will be replaced with.

If the work is completed by a member of a competent persons scheme, then an application for approval will not be required.

Find out more about insulation and building regulations on our common projects.

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If you want formal confirmation that the existing use of a building is lawful for planning purposes, or that your proposed development does not require planning permission, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate(LDC). An LDC can be useful in situations where you need assurance that a particular use, operation, or development is lawful under planning legislation.

Read more about Lawful Development Certificates.

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Applications for a Lawful Development Certificate can be submitted online to your local council using Planning Portal. You must include enough detail and evidence to support your case; if the information is insufficient, your application may be refused.

Apply online

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The addition of a new external doorway will often fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required. This applies where the new doors are of similar appearance to those used elsewhere on the original building.

Permission may be required if your property is listed, you live in a conservation area oran Article 4 direction is in place. In these circumstances it is best to contact your local planning authority for more advice.

New external doorways which create a new or widened opening must comply with building regulations. A new structural opening will require a building regulations application.

The installation of a new door can be completed by a 'competent person' to ensure building regulation requirements are met. For more information on the competent person scheme and to find a registered person, visit the GOV.uk website.

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.

It is likely that you will require planning permission to extend an existing front porch to add a toilet.

Adding a porch falls within permitted development rights meaning an application for planning permission is not required provided specified limits and conditions are met. However, to fall under permitted development rights for a porch, the total ground area must not exceed three square metres. This is unlikely to be enough room to fit toilet and the required additional components.

Read the full rules for porches under permitted development on our mini guides.

If your porch exceeds these limits, it will be classified as an extension. These can be permitted development but come with a different set of rules.

Extensions are not permitted development if they are built forward of the ‘principal elevation’ of the house. As such, you will be required to submit an application for planning permission to your local planning authority.

If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant changes.

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