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How can I find out if my land is in a green belt?

The green belt is a specially designated area of countryside protected from most forms of development. It is protected to help stop urban sprawl, preserve the character of existing settlements and encourage development within existing built-up areas.

The government are working on improving access to public land records, allowing you to check certain restrictions on land. You can view their progress here and see whether your land is greenbelt (note: this tool is currently under development).

You should contact your local planning authority to find out if your land is in a green belt area, and any policies or restrictions that may apply as a result.

Common Questions

Do I need planning permission or building control approval for damp proofing of external walls?

Planning permission is unlikely to be required for the installation of external damp proofing unless the work will change the external appearance of the building or is part of a larger project.

If you live in a listed building you will need listed building consent for any significant changes, this can include external damp proofing. Additional rules may also apply if you live in a Conservation Area or other protected area.

Building regulations approval is not required for installing an external damp proof course (DPC).

Read further guidance on damp proofing.

Do I need planning permission to erect a veranda?

Verandas will often require planning permission as they do not fall under permitted development rights. If the veranda is raised over 0.3 metres, covers more than 50% of the land around your house, is on the principal elevation or on a roof then it will need planning permission.

You may require additional consents if you live in a Conservation Area or listed building. If you are unsure, you should contact your local planning authority.

For more information about planning permission for verandas and balconies, read our common project.

Can I pave my front garden to use as a driveway?

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.

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.

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

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

What are the permitted development rights for new porches?

In many cases, you can build a porch without planning permission under permitted development rights, provided certain criteria are met. To qualify as permitted development, your proposed porch must:

  • Not exceed three square metres in external ground area
  • Be no taller than three metres in height
  • Be located at least two metres away from any boundary with a highway

 

Read more about porches on Planning Portal

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.

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