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.

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.

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.

Inserting new windows which look similar to those previously used in the house will often not require planning permission. Some rules apply to new additions, for example if they are on an upper-floor side elevation they must be obscure glazed and non-opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor.

Installing a new bay window on the front elevation would require planning permission as it is classed as a forward extension.

If you live in a listed building or conservation area you should contact your local planning authority.

 Any new openings will have to comply with building regulations, this may impact thermal heat loss, structure, ventilation and fire safety.

You can use a member of a competent person scheme to complete any work, this will ensure that the work is completed in-line with regulations.

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If you plan to put up a small, detached building like a garden shed, garden room, garden office, annexe or summerhouse (all classed as outbuildings), building regulations generally won’t apply if the building has a floor area under 15 square metres and does not include any sleeping accommodation.

For buildings with a floor area between 15 and 30 square metres, building regulations approval is usually not needed - as long as the building does not include sleeping accommodation and either:

• it is at least one metre away from any boundary, or
• it is built mainly from non-combustible materials.

Read more about the building regulations that apply to outbuildings.

Don't forget to check the permitted development rights for outbuildings.

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