Most garden ponds will fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required. In planning terms a pond will be classed as an outbuilding, to read the full rules around installing an outbuilding, visit our common projects section.

For ponds which are particularly deep or large, you may need to apply for planning permission. If you are unsure, you should contact your local planning authority for advice.

In a listed building you will require listed building consent for any major changes.

When installing a pond, you should take into account other regulatory considerations such as environmental permits or any protected species which may be impacted. Further thought will have to be placed when creating ponds near riverways or in areas of flood risk.

‍

Adding an internal wall will not require planning permission or building control approval in most cases. If the building is listed, then you may require listed building consent to make a major alteration to the house.

Any work completed should adhere to building regulations, ensuring fire routes, electrics and ventilation are considered.

Whether raising the height of an external door requires planning permission depends on the location of the door, location of the property and how drastic the height change will be.

For smaller changes to the side and rear of the property, permitted development rights may apply, meaning no application or planning permission is required.

Where the height change will be substantial and have a significant impact on the building’s appearance, planning permission is likely to be required. Especially in cases where the door to be heightened is on the principal elevation of the property.

‍Principle elevation - The most visible or prominent side of a structure, typically facing a street or public area. While often considered the 'front' of the building, it may not always contain the main entrance.

In designated areas such as conservation areas, or on listed buildings you may require additional approvals such as listed building consent.

If you believe permitted development rights apply to a small change, you can apply for a lawful development certificate to ensure this is the case.

Building regulations

Building regulations approval will likely be required where the change impacts the structure of a building, this primarily occurs when an opening is widened. When altering walls you may want to consult a structural engineer.

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

‍

Demolishing and building a new lean-to will still have comply with planning requirements.

If you live in a conservation area or listed building you may require approval for the demolition.

Whether a lean-to requires planning permission will depend on what the lean-to is used for, it may be an extension, pergola, carport, conservatory or gazebo.

In some cases a building a lean-to will be classified as permitted development, meaning an application for planning permission is not required provided specified limits and conditions are met. If these are exceeded, then you must apply for planning permission.

Permitted development rules vary based on the type of work you are completing, visit our interactive house mini guides for details on the specific rules.

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