Adding a porch canopy is classed as permitted development provided it meets the limits and conditions set out in legislation. Where this is the case, no application for planning permission is required.

Porches must meet the following limits:

• the ground floor area (measured externally) would not exceed three square metres.
• no part would be more than three metres aboveground level (height needs to be measured in the same way as for a house extension).
• no part of the porch would be within two metres of any boundary of the dwellinghouse and the highway.

Read our mini guide for additional information on installing a porch.

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Planning permission is not normally required to turn two properties into one by knocking through a party wall provided the changes are internal and do not impact the external appearance of the property.

You should check with your local planning authority that they agree, and there are not any previous planning changes or conditions which may have an impact.

Additional permissions may be required depending on the building’s history and their location. If the building is listed, an application for listed building consent will be required before any major changes are made to the dwellings.

The work will have to comply with building regulations, the focus will be on structural work and safety.

‍Read more about how building regulations apply to internal walls.

A roof window (or skylight) is fitted flush within the slope of a roof, while a dormer projects outward, creating additional headroom and floor space.  

Both can be installed under permitted development but must meet specific size and position limits to qualify.  

Also consider building regulations for a new dormer, find out more on Planning Portal  

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Bricking up an external door is classified as permitted development, meaning an application for planning permission is not required to complete the works. You will need to ensure that any materials used are of a similar appearance to the existing exterior of the house.

If you live in a listed building, then you will require planning permission and listed building consent for the change. In this instance it is best practice to talk to your local planning authority.

Find your local planning authority.

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If you're doing electrical installation work in your home or garden in England or Wales, you must follow the building regulations. It's recommended to hire an installer who is registered with a competent person scheme (a registered competent person’) who can self-certify that the work meets the required standards.