Exempt building works
Alternatively view the Planning Portals interactive house to see if you need to apply. interactive house guide
By definition a porch is a space which covers either a front or back door. If the space contains anything else,(e.g. a WC), it cannot be exempt. If the original front/rear door is removed, then the new space is considered an extension and cannot be exempt. To be exempt porches must also be built at ground level and have a floor area of less than 30m²
The regulations give guidance to define a conservatory. At least 75% of the roof and at least 50% of the walls should be made of translucent materials (e.g. glass or polycarbonate sheets). Additionally, it must be separated form the rest of the dwelling by windows, doors or walls which are as thermally efficient as the rest of the external parts of the dwelling. Thus, if the existing door(s) are removed then the new space is considered an extension and cannot be exempt. If you propose having a solid roof, then there are separate rules for Sun Rooms and you should contact us to discuss. Where fixed heating is installed it should be capable of being separately controlled, so that when not in use during winter periods, it can be turned off to avoid unnecessarily wasting energy. To be exempt conservatories must also be built at ground level and have a floor area of less than 30m².
To be exempt covered ways/yards must also be built at ground level and have a floor area of less than 30m.
To be exempt carports must be built at ground level and have a floor area of less than 30m². They must also be open to the air, on at least two sides, for fire reasons.
Less than 15m² floor area:
These are exempt provided they contain no sleeping accommodation and are detached.
Between 15m² and 30m² floor area:
These are exempt provided they contain no sleeping accommodation and are detached. They must also be built 1m or more from the relevant boundary. If you wish to build closer than this, then the walls and roof must be of materials of limited combustibility.
Where garages are attached to a dwelling they are not exempt. Attached means when it's directly fixed to the dwelling but it's not attached if it's via a section of garden wall.