Do you need planning permission for a veranda in Northern Ireland?
The short answer
Whether you need planning permission depends on the size of the veranda, where it sits and your property. As a general guide, the rules for small additions at the back of a house apply when the veranda:
- comes out no more than 4 metres from the back wall (3 metres for a semi-detached or terraced house)
- is no more than 4 metres high, and no more than 3 metres at the eaves if it is within 2 metres of a boundary
- is not on the front of the house, or on a side that faces a road
Your council has the final say, so check with them before you order.
When permission is more likely to be needed
- The veranda is bigger than the limits above.
- It goes on the front of the house, or on a side that faces a road.
- The house is listed, or in a conservation area.
- The home is a flat or apartment.
- The planning permission for the house or the estate removed these rights, which is common on newer estates.
How to check
Ring or email the planning office at your council with the size of the veranda and where it will go. If you want it confirmed in writing, you can apply to the council for a Certificate of Lawfulness. The rules themselves are in the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015.
How we help
We supply and fit verandas, glass rooms and pergolas. We do not make planning applications, but if your council asks for details, we will give you the drawings, sizes and specification for your unit. You can see the units in our Ballymoney showroom, and our cost guide explains what a veranda costs.
Get in touch for a quote or ring 028 2542 9017.
Common questions
Does a glass room need planning permission?
The same general guide applies. A glass room is bigger than an open veranda, so it is more likely to be close to a limit and worth checking with your council.
Does it matter if the roof is glass or polycarbonate?
No. Planning looks at the size, height and position of the unit, not what the roof is made of.
Will Apex apply for planning for me?
No. The application is made by you, or your architect, to your council. We provide the details of the unit for it.
Get a free quote
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Not ready for a quote yet? Download our brochure (PDF)
