Do I need planning permission for my garden or patio awning?

Residential awnings will not typically require planning permission. However, there are exceptions to every rule. So the answer is: it's best to check.

When you’re considering home improvements like a garden or patio awning, planning permission can often be an afterthought. However, it’s worth considering if you want to prevent a potential headache in the future. In this post, we explain how to tell if your project requires planning permission.

Already have your project approved? Take a look at our excellent range of awnings for your garden and patio. Contact us on 01202 679012 for further details.

 

When might I need planning permission for a residential awning?

If your garden or patio awning encroaches on or leads to water run-off in your neighbour’s property, not having requested planning permission could lead to a problem down the road. Aside from bad blood between you and your neighbour, your local council could ask you to take your awning down, wasting your time and money.

If you live in a conservation area or in a listed building, then your permitted development rights may be inhibited compared with properties elsewhere. In these cases, where the council has a duty to preserve the original look of a home or area, extra planning permission may be required for a new awning.

Unfortunately, there is not a one size fits all policy when it comes to answering the question of whether you will require planning permission for your awning or not, as different local councils can make their own set of specifications. If at all in doubt, we highly recommend contacting your local council before purchasing and installing a new garden or patio awning.

Will I need planning permission for any kind of covered patio?

 

If you plan to cover your patio with a different type of shading - for example, a canopy or outdoor structure - you may be wondering if you’ll need planning permission first.

Good news: like with awnings, you won’t normally need planning permission for any kind of patio cover.

There are a few conditions to this rule. You won’t need planning permission as long as your shading is:

 

• Covering less than half the land around the property
• Not wider than the existing building
• Not in front of the main property front or side elevation
• No deeper than the maximum allowed depth: 3000mm for a single storey building, 4000mm for an attached building, and 4000mm for a detached building
• Less than 4000mm tall
• Fixed with eaves that do not exceed 3000mm within 2000mm from the boundary
• Free from raised platforms

 

Most types of cover will fall well within these limitations, so it’s unlikely you’ll need to take out planning permission on them. Still, it's best to check with your local authority first - it will give you peace of mind and ensure there's no trouble down the line.

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Are you interested in a new garden or patio awning ahead of summer? We have a great range of products available, including B-28 Prestige and B35 models. Contact us for further details!