The short answer is no. It’s unlikely you’ll need planning permission for a home or garden canopy, unless it’s very large or you already have additions to the property’s floorplan.

Canopies are considered extensions and their dimensions must fall within the “permitted development” allowance every home has. The allowance is 50% of the total original footprint of the building. If your proposed canopy or extension is under this allowance, you don’t need permission.

NB: If your home is listed or in a conservation area, you may need permission regardless of the size.

If the surface area of your proposed canopy (plus any previous extensions) is greater than 50% of the original floor space of your home, then you need planning permission. To build a canopy to cover a parking area or patio is typically classed as “permitted development” where planning permission isn’t necessary.

There are restrictions on fitting a canopy too near a highway or road, which means some homeowners wouldn’t be permitted to install a canopy on the front of their home.

Any construction must be at least 3.5 metres away from roads.

Canopies are subject to the same permissions as any other structure i.e. the permitted development scheme, however, they don’t usually require building regulations.

They are much easier to remove than brick structures, but aren’t temporary. Canopies are durable and long lasting.