Do I need planning permission for bifold doors?

Bifolding doors are a fantastic way to add light and luxury to your home, creating an instant ‘wow’ effect and improving your indoor to outdoor flow. If you’re thinking about adding a bifold door to your existing property, you’ll need to be aware of your obligations in terms of planning permission.

Planning permission means that your local authority can ensure all building work complies with structural safety requirements and that it has passed all of the necessary processes.

Will I need planning permission from the council for bifold doors?

Before you can transform your property with the sleek, streamlined look of bifold doors, you’ll need to check whether you’ll need planning permission to install them. In general, you need planning permission where:

• You’re building something completely new
• You’re making a major change to an existing building
• You’re changing the use of the building, g. turning it into a shop

Usually, installing bifold doors, French doors or new windows comes under the list of Class A permitted developments, meaning you won’t need to obtain planning permission. However, these developments are subject to certain restrictions, such as Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings, meaning it’s worth doing your own research before you invest in your new bifold door.

If you are required to get planning permission, it can take up to 12 weeks for it to be granted, which is something you’ll need to keep in mind when scheduling your installation date.

How do I get planning permission for bi-folding doors?

If it turns out you do need planning permission for your chosen bifold doors, you’ll need to contact your local authority in order to obtain it.

These types of applications will usually have a process to them that will require paperwork to be filled out and submitted. You’ll also need to be aware of building regulations, which you can usually talk to your bifold supplier or installer about.

If you’d like to speak to a member of our friendly team about your bifold door installation, get in touch with us here or visit us in-person at our bifold door showroom in Sutton.

Bifold door installers in South East England

Thinking of adding bifold doors to your property in Wimbledon, Croydon, and beyond? Your Price Bifolds can supply and fit high-quality bifolding doors at competitive prices and with unbeatable turnaround times.

We choose to work solely with Origin Bifolds, the UK’s leading manufacturer of bifold doors, especially as they come with a 20-year guarantee. We can supply and install bi-folds for both commercial and domestic clients based in southeast England, and invite you to take a look at our previous projects.

If you’d like to speak to a friendly expert about Origin bifolds or would like to get a free, no-obligation quote, call us on 0203 874 5166. For further information about your specific planning permission obligations, it’s best to contact your local authority.