Knocking through external porch

patg

HI all - would be grateful for advice on whether planning permission would be needed to replace a porch/sliding door simply with a new front door to the house - and to build up this new house entrance.
So the house hallway would extend out to include the area where the small porch currently is.

Its a standard urban semi-detached with the kind of sliding door to a small - and not particularly useful - porch space that would be commonplace on many recently built (1980s) estate houses.

Pointers gratefully accepted.

MrsWhite2

A porch should be exempted from planning provided it meets the requirements of The Planning and Development Regs. 2001

The following text is taken from the Regs. Schedule 2, Article 6, Part 1
Exempted Development — General
Class7
The construction or erection of a porch outside any external door of a house.
1. Any such structure shall be situated not less than 2 metres from any road.
2. The floor area of any such structure shall not exceed 2 square metres.
3. The height of any such structure shall not exceed, in the case of a structure with a tiled or slated pitched roof, 4 metres or, in any other case, 3 metres.

You can look up the regulations on line, an architect can fully advise you. Hope thats of help.

patg

Hey Mrs White - thanks for your thoughts.
Your quote relates to construction/erection of a proch.

My query relates to removal/replacement.
I wonder if this changes planning considerations?

MrsWhite2

There is an existing external porch, and you are looking to basically enclose it , is that right? Or is there already an enclosed porch and you want to replace the existing sliding door with a new door?

If its simply a question of a new door, I don't think that would be a planning issue? Is there any precedent on the street - have neighbours done similar porch alterations?

patg

MrsWhite2 wrote: »

There is an existing external porch, and you are looking to basically enclose it , is that right?

Yes - that is right.

MrsWhite2

If the area will be less than 2 sq.m, and the porch would comply with the other requirements, in my view it would be exempt from planning. But to be sure, if I was you I would contact the local authority, they should give you a definite answer.

You should also talk to an architect or engineer in terms of detailing the roof - if you intend keeping the existing canopy, how will you waterproof and insulate it? Also, a draft lobby would improve the house's energy rating by reducing heat loss, so perhaps you should keep the front door also?