Verandas are an ideal choice for any home, offering the perfect blend of outdoor living spaces. They provide numerous benefits such as extending your indoor living space and the ability to enjoy sitting in your garden year-round sheltered from all weather conditions. However, one question that is commonly asked is “Do I Need Planning Permission for a Veranda?”
Well, we hate to say but the answer isn’t a resounding no, although in most cases it is. It can depend on numerous factors. We’re here to help though and make it a bit easier to understand.
What are Verandas?
Before delving into the planning permission aspect of the question, we need to first understand what verandas are. A veranda is typically a roofed, open-air structure designed to provide a canopy at the front, back or side of your house. You can choose them in numerous styles, colours, sizes, and materials including steel, aluminium and wood.. A veranda can also be fitted with glass sides and sliding doors to create a new functional enclosed space for your home. You also have a number of options with regards to the roof and material used. At Verandas and Canopies we provide a fully bespoke service to ensure your veranda can be designed to your exact requirements. There’s plenty of ways a veranda can be used too. You can simply use it as a shelter to sit and relax in your garden, entertain and socialise or dine al fresco.
Understanding Planning Permission
In the UK, planning permission is a regulatory process governed by local planning authorities (LPAs). The role of the LPA is to determine whether a proposed development, alteration, or extension to a property complies with local planning policies and regulations. There are two types of planning permission in the UK: full permission and outline permission.
Full planning permission grants permission for all aspects of the proposed development, while outline planning permission establishes whether the scale and nature of a proposed development would be acceptable to the local planning authority.
If a project needs planning permission and it is done without getting it, an enforcement notice can be served ordering the undoing of all the changes made. It is illegal to ignore an enforcement notice, but it can be appealed against
When Do You Need Planning Permission for a Veranda?
We have good news for you. Most of the time verandas do not require planning permission. The need for planning permission for a veranda depends on various factors including the size, location and the land it is being built on.
Size
The size of a veranda is often a key factor in whether planning permission will be required. Typically, if your veranda is over 3m in height you will likely require planning permission. Generally, smaller verandas located at the rear of a property are more likely to be considered permitted development and larger ones are not. However, it is important to not just assume any veranda under this height is permitted. Also, if your veranda is larger than 50% of the land the original house covers, you will likely require planning permission. Our expert team are available to advise you and we always recommend checking with your local planning authority.
Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings
If the property you’re wanting to carry out work on is located within a conservation area or is a listed building, you may require planning permission. Rule and regulations related to these buildings are often stricter than a normal residential property. Even minor alterations, such as adding a veranda, may require planning permission.
Neighbours and Impact
Consideration is also given to how your veranda might affect your neighbours. If it significantly impacts their privacy or disrupts their enjoyment of their property, you may face more scrutiny.
Applying for Planning Permission
If your veranda project requires planning permission, you’ll need to apply to your local planning authority. The application process typically involves submitting detailed plans, specifications, and a fee. LPAs will evaluate your application based on factors like those mentioned above and assess its adherence to local policies.
There are exceptions and variations to planning permission requirements that can vary from one LPA to another. Some LPAs may have specific policies regarding verandas, while others may have more lenient rules. It’s essential to consult with your local planning authority or seek professional advice to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether or not you need planning permission for a veranda depends on several factors. In the majority of cases you don’t need it however it’s crucial to check with your local planning authority and regulations.