It’s very unlikely that you will need planning permission for installing bi-fold doors in your home. However, if your new doors are part of a home renovation or remodelling, you’re having an extension built or adding a new room for extra space, it’s a good idea to double check before you get started, just to be on the safe side.
The planning permission process can be avoided if your extension or home improvement falls within permitted development rights.
Under permitted development rights, a single storey extension can be built up to 6m from the original rear wall of an attached house, or 8m if you live in a detached house, and up to 4m in height. If you’re looking for a two storey extension, then it cannot be taller than your existing roof, it can’t extend beyond your existing rear wall by more than 3m and it must be at least 7m from your boundary.
Combining your living space and widespan bi-fold doors, you can create an incredible open plan space for the whole family to enjoy. Make the most of the extra space by using it as a dining area or place to relax after a long day. Bowalker bi-fold doors can seamlessly lead you onto your decking area, patio or garden, which is perfect for gatherings in the summer.
If your bi-fold doors are being installed as part of your new extension, you will only need to look into planning permission if your extension size and design are not covered by permitted development rights.
If you want to add much more extra space to your home, then you will need to apply for planning permission. At Bowalker, we work closely with you on larger glazed extensions like this which require planning permission, so you can have peace of mind that your project will run smoothly from start to finish.
When it comes to listed and heritage buildings, planning laws are very different. Laws are also different for properties on ‘designated land’, in protected areas, or if your home is located in a conservation area, National Park, or an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Planning permission can sometimes be complicated, especially with listed buildings, as they can require material, design and colour choices to be warranted. To make sure that all requirements and permissions are met, we work closely with you on your glazed extension from design to installation. Our bi-fold doors can be chosen with these requirements in mind, so that you can tailor your bi-fold doors to your project exactly.
Balconies are a great place to have your bi-fold doors installed, as they frame your view through the large expanses of glass and slimline frames, bringing the outside one step closer to you.
If you would like a new balcony added to your property however, this is a special case, as your new feature is likely overlooking someone else’s home or garden. You need to be sure to have planning permission for something like this, as you want to make the most of your view and available space, without upsetting your neighbours!
All houses that are undergoing home improvements such as extensions need to comply with building regulations. When starting projects with our customers, we always check if approval is needed before altering your home in any way so that your bi-fold doors can be expertly installed with no interruptions or set-backs.
For glazed extensions which are merged with your existing space, we may need to seek building regulation approval. For most conservatories and orangeries, building regulation approval isn’t required if the design falls within permitted development rights.
We stock two impressive bi-fold door ranges for you to choose from including aluminium bi-folds and our state-of-the-art aïr 800 range. Both are the perfect addition to your home, no matter what style of property you have.
Our aluminium bi-fold doors offer your property a stunning feature wall of glass, with sightlines as slim as 132mm for uninterrupted views, whilst adding natural light and space to your project.
The aïr 800 range is the Rolls Royce of bi-folding doors, creating extreme design possibilities for any project, making them ideal for property transformations. They create a maximum amount of space by folding away completely to reveal spacious areas in your home, making them the perfect choice if your house has large external walls that you want to make the most of.
So, when you ask yourself, do I need planning permission for bifold doors? Don’t worry! We have got you covered. Planning permission doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when your home improvement project falls within permitted development rights. So whether you’re replacing existing doors or starting a new project from scratch, we’re on hand to offer advice. If you would like to find out more get in touch with us or request a quote to get your project started today. Look out for our bi-fold installations in and around Sussex, Brighton and Surrey for inspiration.
You can trust us with your transformation plans as we’re members of Checkatrade, FENSA and the Plastics Window Federation.
