Installing patio doors at the rear of your house is likely to fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required, provided certain limits and conditions are met.

The doors should be of similar appearance to those previously used, if they are not then generally planning permission will be required.

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

If you live in a designated area such as a conservation area or national park, then additional restrictions may be in place.

If you are unsure whether the work falls within permitted development rights you can check with your local planning authority or submit a lawful development certificate to prove the change is lawful and prevent any future enforcement action.

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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.

There is no single legal definition of "habitable room", as its use and meaning are subject to context. Generally, a habitable room is a space in a building that is designed for people to live, sleep, or spend extended periods of time in, but does not include bath or toilet facilities, corridors or utility rooms.

Planning permission is not required for moving internal walls in a flat.If the building is a listed building, you may require listed building consent.

Removing a load bearing wall will require building control approval as it is altering the structure of the property. You will be required to provide a report from a structural engineer who will provide structural calculations.

Work on internal walls may also affect fire escape routes, ventilation, drainage or electrics. These should be considered during the design process and work should be carried out by a member of the competent person scheme where possible.

If your proposal for planning permission or building regulations approval is solely for extensions or alterations to a disabled person’s house to improve access, safety or comfort then you are exempt from paying a planning or building control fee. Additionally, if you are providing means of access for disabled persons to public buildings you are exempt from any fee.

Note that for building regulations approval, you will only be exempt when applying to a local authority building control body.