Covering Tunbridge Wells
Our coverage around Tunbridge Wells (TN1) also includes Tonbridge, Crowborough and Sevenoaks.
Homes in the South East
Housing across the South East mixes inter-war semis, post-war estates and older cottages in villages and market towns, so rear and side extensions, hip-to-gable lofts and garage conversions all come up regularly.
What is a porch?
A porch is a small enclosed entrance built in front of the front door, giving somewhere for coats and shoes and a buffer against draughts. Many porches are small enough to be built without a planning application.
- Design to match the house
- Tiled, slate or lead roof
- Plastering and flooring ready finish
How much should I budget for a porch?
Guide prices for porches, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| Porches | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Open canopy over the door | £2,500 to £5,000 |
| Brick porch with tiled roof | £6,000 to £10,000 |
| Larger porch or front extension | £10,000 to £16,000 |
How is a porch approved in Tunbridge Wells?
Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies.
In England a porch is permitted development if its footprint is no more than 3 m² measured externally, no part is higher than 3 m, and no part is within 2 m of a boundary with a road or footpath. Larger porches need planning permission.
What should Tunbridge Wells homeowners check first?
- Keeping the original front door between house and porch can keep a porch exempt from building regulations.
- Gas meters and drains near the front door may need relocating.
What are the steps?
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
Your questions answered
Do I need planning permission for a porch?
Not in England if it is no bigger than 3 m², no higher than 3 m and at least 2 m from the boundary with a road.
Can a porch include a toilet?
Yes, but it becomes a front extension, which usually needs planning permission and building regulations approval.
Do you work in Tunbridge Wells?
Yes. Tunbridge Wells is within our coverage for porches, along with nearby Tonbridge and Crowborough.
Also covering
Learn more about porches, or see every project we cover in Tunbridge Wells.