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Do I need planning permission or building control approval to install a new external door into my house?
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.
Common Questions
The conversion of a garage, or part of a garage, into habitable space, will normally require approval under the building regulations.
As part of the garage conversion, it is likely that the original garage door will be in-filled with a new wall and possibly a window or door, and a new foundation may be needed for the new wall.
As well as the foundation, you also need to consider:
- Floor
- Walls
- Ventilation
Read more about the building regulations for garage conversions.
Installing a new septic tank in your garden will often require both planning permission, building regulations approval and a septic tank permit.
The planning permission will ensure that the tank is installed in an appropriate location with information being provided to understand any potential implications for the surrounding environment and water.
Building regulations is required for the installation of a septic tank to ensure it meets the drainage and waste disposal standards set out in Approved Document H.
Where possible it is recommended that you connect to an existing public sewer instead of installing a septic tank, this reduces waste entering the waterways.
For more information visit our drains common project or contact your local planning authority.
Building a porch at ground level and under 30 square metres in floor area is normally exempt from the need for building regulations approval.
This is provided that glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the appropriate sections of building regulations.
To find out more about the building regulations for porches, visit Planning Portal.
Find out more about glazing and electrical installations
Replacing the window within a bay window is treated the same as any other window. Meaning that the replacement of windows which have a similar appearance to those previously used would not require an application for planning permission.
Repairs, maintenance and minor improvements will also not require an application.
If you live in a listed building or a designated area then different rules may apply.
For more details on replacing windows, visit our common projects section.
Work to refit a bathroom with new units and fittings does not generally require building regulations approval, although drainage or electrical works that form part of the refit may require approval under the building regulations.
If a bathroom is to be provided in a room where there wasn't one before, building regulations approval is likely to be required to ensure that the room will have adequate ventilation and drainage, and meet requirements with respect to structural stability, electrical and fire safety.
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