In this article, we’ll reveal what you need to know about planning permission for canopies and shelters in the UK. We’ll cover the regulations you need to know, the application process, and the common challenges you are likely to face.
When Is Planning Permission Required?
Location, size, and intended use of the canopy or shelter will all determine whether you need planning permission. Let’s take a look at how these factors come into play.
General Rules and Permitted Development
Smaller canopies fall under Permitted Development Rights, so you usually don’t require formal permission from your local authority. Nevertheless, this mostly depends on the type of property and its location.
Residential Properties
For residential properties, permitted development typically allows for single-storey canopies that:
- They are no higher than 2.5 metres if within 2 metres of the property boundary.
- Cover no more than half of the ground around the “original house”.
- They are not built forward of the principal elevation.
However, your rights may be limited or removed if your home is a listed building, in a conservation area, National Park, or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Academic Institutions
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 categorises schools, colleges, and universities under Class M. This means that they can install canopies and shelters without formal permission provided:
- It doesn’t exceed 25% of the total footprint or 250 square metres of the property space.
- The structure is not higher than 6 metres. This, however, is only when the structure is 10 metres away from the land’s boundary. If it is that close, it must remain at 5 metres high.
Commercial or Industrial Sites
Commercial or industrial sites, such as warehouses and offices, often do not benefit from permitted development rights, particularly for freestanding shelters. Under such circumstances, canopy planning permission is needed.
What About Shelter Planning Permission?
The same location-based guidelines apply to freestanding shelters like bus stops, outdoor waiting areas, or covered walkways. If the shelter is on public land, permission is often needed.
On private land, permission depends on size, location, and proximity to boundaries. In many cases, structures installed in heritage areas or close to public highways require prior permission.
We advise consulting your local planning authority to find out whether your structure qualifies under permitted development. This is important because each council has its own requirements.
The Planning Permission Process for Canopies
If you do require planning permission, the process may seem intimidating, especially if this is not something you have completed before . At A&S Landscape, we’ve worked on thousands of projects, so we’re well placed to guide you through the process.. Here’s what you should expect.
What You’ll Need to Submit
Typically, a planning application includes the following:
- Your site’s block plan and location plan.
- Current and proposed elevation drawings.
- Detailed description of materials and intended use.
- Images or sketches of the proposed canopy.
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) report (Mandatory from February 2024).
- Heritage statement, if it is next to a listed building or in a conservation area.
- Tree protection assessments (where relevant).
- Flood risk assessments, if the site falls into a designated flood zone.
Every application must be submitted through the Planning Portal, and the local authority usually takes up to eight weeks to decide. Larger projects (greater than 1000m²), especially those involving listed buildings, can take up to 12 weeks or more.
At A&S Landscape, we provide planning application services. We will handle your documents, coordinate with architects, and liaise with the local council on your behalf to save you time and reduce potential delays.
Common Challenges with Canopy Planning Applications
When preparing and submitting the planning application, you might encounter some of these common challenges.
Lack of Proper Documentation
Missing or incomplete documentation can cause delays even when the planning permission is straightforward. If structural calculations are required for your canopy design, a qualified engineer will have to confirm that the installation complies with building regulations.
From canopy design standards to complete engineering calculations, we can assist with all you need. You can check out our canopy design options so you can get started.
Delays Due to Conservation or Heritage Constraints
Additional restrictions apply if your site is within 10 metres of a boundary, in a heritage zone, or near a listed building. These restrictions may include:
- A lower height limit of five metres instead of six metres.
- Additional surveys, including tree protection orders or heritage impact assessments.
Our team has a lot of knowledge managing applications in these sensitive areas. Therefore, we can easily identify possible red flags early enough and advise on appropriate adjustments to prevent needless hold-ups.
Overlooking Building Control
Building regulations deal with structural safety and design, while planning permission controls the external impact of a structure. Certain canopy projects, particularly more complex or larger ones, may also require building control approval.
We work with external assessors to ensure your project satisfies all statutory requirements.
Planning permission shouldn’t stand in the way of your canopy or shelter project.
If you do need it, we’re readily available to assist you here at A&S Landscape. Talk to us first if you are ready to install a stylish new canopy and want to understand if planning permission is required. Email us at [email protected] or call us on 01743 444100.
