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Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?
Do I need planning permission for a porch?
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Do I need permission for a garage?
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Loft conversion cost calculator
What is permitted development?
Planning Permission Guides
View all guides →Conservatory
A conservatory is one of the most popular home improvements in the UK. The good news is that most conservatories qualify as permitted development (PD), meaning you do not need to apply for planning permission. However, there are size limits and exceptions — particularly if you live in a conservation area, national park, or listed building.
Porch
Adding a porch to the front of your home is a common improvement that most homeowners can carry out without planning permission. Under Class D of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO), porches are permitted development provided they meet certain size and position criteria.
Garage
Most detached garages can be built under permitted development rights without planning permission. A garage falls under Class E of the GPDO (outbuildings), provided it is in the rear or side garden, meets height and size limits, and is not used as living accommodation.
Garden Room
Garden rooms — whether used as a home office, gym, hobby room, or studio — are generally permitted development under Class E of the GPDO 2015. You do not need planning permission in most cases, as long as the garden room does not cover too much of your garden, is the right height, and is not used as a dwelling.
Single-Storey Extension
Single-storey extensions can often be built under permitted development rights, but this depends on the size, position, and whether you live in a designated area. Rear extensions are most likely to qualify as PD; side and front extensions are much more restricted.
Loft Conversion
Converting your loft is one of the most cost-effective ways to add space to your home. Most loft conversions are permitted development under Class B of the GPDO 2015, meaning no planning permission is needed. The key rules are about the volume added and the appearance of the roof.
Data from planning.data.gov.uk • Crown copyright. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.