Do Awnings Need Planning Permission

The need for planning permission is a concern for many considering an awning for their home or business property. We’ve shared some simple advice below to help you work out whether your project will require permission. It’s worth sharing your plans with your local authority if you are in doubt, and be aware that it generally takes between 4 and 5 weeks to get approval.

Do awnings need planning permission?

For residential buildings, generally awnings do not require planning permission. Commercial properties like shops usually need full planning permission as they may extend into public areas or cause health and safety issues. Branded awnings must also pass advertising regulations.

Residential awnings

One of the general rules for planning regulations is that if you aren’t creating a usable space then you don’t need permission. The exception would be if the awning extends over or encroaches on your neighbour’s boundary. When planning where your awnings will go, it’s also worth bearing in mind any rain that might potentially run off into your neighbour’s property. It’s always best to spot issues like these in advance!

If your property is a listed building, however, or you live in a conservation area, then you may require approval. Speak to your local authority about your plans before beginning any installation.

Commercial awnings

In most cases a business will require full planning permission to install an awning on their property. Clearly this is necessary for high street buildings like shops or cafés where the awning would extend over the pavement and pedestrians. There are also various regulations to do with health and safety when members of the public use the property. The key is to always check with the planning department of your local authority as policies do vary.

If you are replacing an awning on your commercial property, then you do not generally require new planning permission as long as the replacement is like-for-like. Otherwise, you will need to get full permission once more.

Most businesses, especially shops, will want to feature branding and logos on their awnings. Since the canopy will be on public view, this usually falls under advertising regulations and will also require approval from the relevant authority.

Primrose Awnings offers a wide range of patio awnings that are easy to fit in residential homes, as well as bespoke commercial awnings. Please contact customer service if you need any advice about choosing your awning.

George at PrimroseGeorge works in the Primrose marketing team. As a lover of all things filmic, he also gets involved with our TV ads and web videos.

George’s idea of the perfect time in the garden is a long afternoon sitting in the shade with a good book. A cool breeze, peace and quiet… But of course, he’s usually disturbed by his energetic wire fox terrier, Poppy!

He writes about his misadventures in repotting plants and new discoveries about cat repellers.

See all of George’s posts.