If you do not seek planning permission, build without it when it applies, or do not meet specified conditions of a planning permission, this is known as a planning breach.
Your local planning authority can serve an enforcement notice on you when they consider you have broken planning rules. You may be given the opportunity to apply retrospectively, or be required to remove a building or structure, or alter it to make it acceptable.
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.
Changing a standard garage door to an electric garage door will not normally require planning permission. Instead, they are covered by permitted development rights.
Permission may be required if your property is listed, you live in a conservation area or there will be a visual impact on the appearance of the house as viewed from the street. If you are unsure, it is advised that you contact your local planning authority.
Work to install an electric garage door must comply with Part P of the building regulations. This can be done by using an electrician who is registered with the competent person scheme.
Visit the website for registered electrical competent persons.
The principal elevation is 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. There can only be one principal elevation of a house.
You do not need planning permission to move internal walls.
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.
To qualify as permitted development some household building work projects – notably extending a house – must not exceed limits to the volume being added.
In England, the volume allowance mostly applies to loft conversions. You can read more on the Planning Portal.
Use the volume calculator to find out the volume of several loft conversion and extension types.