If you’re considering whether to install a contemporary canopy over your front door, then it’s important you abide by any relevant rules and regulations.
In this article, we explore whether these smart and practical architectural additions require planning permission in the UK.
Regardless of whether you want to install a small glass front door canopy over the entrance to your home or a substantial aluminium canopy to the front of your business premises, we’re here to help you understand the technicalities.
Once you do, you can focus on choosing the best canopy for your property.
What is a canopy?
The term ‘canopy’ can be used to refer to a range of similar structures, including front door canopies, garden canopies, carport canopies, and storefront canopies.
While each of these structures provides a degree of protection and cover, they vary in size and function.
Garden canopies or awnings, for example, (also called awnings) are often constructed using fabric and are not designed to remain in place permanently. Instead, they’re commonly used for hosting outdoor parties or gatherings during the summertime.
Rainclear does sell glass (or polycarbonate) roof panelled aluminium framed verandas, which could also be categorised as garden canopies, but these are permanent structures.
Front door canopies, on the other hand, are made from a more durable material (often aluminium, steel, glass or acrylic) and are installed above the primary entranceway to a residential property.
Do you need planning permission for a front door canopy?
Typically, no. Usually, a front door canopy is attached to the exterior of a building and is classified as an architectural feature.
Its dimensions must fall within the permitted development allowance every home has. Anything exceeding those is not a ‘door canopy’ as we define it here.
For that reason, you will not need to go through the extensive and time-consuming process of obtaining planning permission if you want to install one, unless your property is listed or located in a conservation area.
If you would like further reassurance, you can always contact your Local Planning Authority (LPA) or district council.
Officers there will be able to provide advice as to whether your project requires planning permission, and if so, how to apply for it.
Why choose Rainclear Systems?
Rainclear Systems has established a reputation for being one of the UK’s first specialist retailers of rainwater products, so you can be confident our range of canopies includes a solution that’s right for you.
Products on our website are constructed to a high standard, and we can supply everything from acrylic canopies and aluminium canopies to alternatives made from zinc, copper, and glass/stainless steel.
You can buy from our next-day delivery selection, or opt for one of our made-to-order canopies available in 26 standard RAL colours. Note there a longer lead time for those.
Although not listed online, other sizes and almost any colour is possible in aluminium with an additional surcharge and a longer lead time. The aluminium door canopies can also be joined to make a much wider structure.
With a broad choice of materials, sizes and styles, there’s a high-quality canopy in our range for every front door.
Looking for a size or colour that’s not listed? Simply give our helpful team a call on 0800 644 44 26. Alternatively, you can always contact us by sending an email to [email protected] or by completing our online contact form.