Author: Dencroft Garage Experts | Last Updated: January 2024
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Do I need planning permission for a garage?
This is a question that we get asked frequently by our customers, so we thought that we’d write a blog post to help clarify whether and when you will need planning permission when installing a new garage. In the vast majority of cases, it will not be necessary to seek planning permission. This is the case with pre-constructed garages that are actually bought ready-made, because these are defined as ‘pre-cast sectional garages’ by law, meaning that they are deemed in legal terms to be temporary structures.
One of the best things about home ownership is the freedom to make changes to your property as you wish. Building or converting a garage can add value to a home, so it’s easy to see why so many people want to do so.
However there may be limits on what you can and can’t do under British planning laws and understanding planning regulations can be quite complex. So we’ve created this guide to help you understand the rules and regulations around planning permission for garages.
How big can a garage be without planning permission?
Garages are considered permitted development, so it is possible to build a garage without the need for planning permission. However, the regulations are based on reasonable size. You can build a garage without planning permission as long as the garage doesn’t take up more than half of the land around the original property.
How high can you build a garage without planning permission?
Your garage must be no higher than 4 metres in order to build it without planning permission. That’s 13.12 feet. Any garages more than a single-storey high with eaves that exceed 2.5 metres and a height of 4 metres, for example, ones that use a dual-pitched roof or 3 metres for any other sort of roof, will require planning permission.
Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion?
Rather than build a garage from scratch, garage conversions are also a popular option. You don’t usually need planning permission for a garage conversion, as long as the work is internal and doesn’t make the garage larger. However, be sure to check your permitted development rights if you live on a housing estate, as some properties may have a condition that requires the garage to remain a parking space.
Do I need planning permission to extend my garage?
If you want to extend your garage, you won’t require planning permission as long as the garage will not be more than 4 metres high (13ft), which is considered a ‘reasonable height’. If you want to extend higher than this or if you plan for the garage to cover more than half of the land covered by the main dwelling, you will need to apply for planning permission.
Do I need planning permission to build a room above a garage?
If you’re building a room above a garage, it’s likely to exceed the 4 metres reasonable height limit and may impact property deeds. So in the majority of cases, building a room above a garage will require planning permission, especially if you plan to include a veranda, balcony or raised platform.
Do I need planning permission to build a bar in my garage?
You do not need planning permission to build a bar in your garage, as long as the bar doesn’t add any additional height (above 4 metres) or size to the garage itself. What you do inside your garage is up to you!
Do I need planning permission for a concrete sectional garage?
Again as long as your garage meets the reasonable requirements (which is under 4 metres in height), you will not need planning permission for a concrete sectional garage. If your sectional garage is over 4 metres, not for domestic use or covers over half the garden, this would require permission, to be sure to check your measurements before construction.
Do I need planning permission for a double garage?
Most double garages are much bigger than a standard garage. Although your garage may still be under the 4 metre reasonable height threshold, you could still require planning permission if the overall size of the garage takes up more than half of the land around the original property.
Do I need planning permission for a wooden garage?
Wooden garages or log cabins are usually considered to be temporary structures and therefore don’t require planning permission. This also applies to ready made or kit wooden garages. But you must make sure that your wooden garage is single story, with a maximum height of 4 metres, and should not have a balcony, veranda or raised platform attached to it.
Do you need planning permission to demolish a garage?
In the majority of cases, you do not need planning permission to demolish a garage. The exception to this rule is if the council has an article 4 direction on the property. You would probably know if your property is affected by an article 4 direction, as they tend to be in conservation areas, but you can check with the local planning authority if you are not sure.
It’s important to be informed about whether your planned extensions and builds will require planning permission or not. If you’re ever in doubt, you can always check your outbuilding requirements with your Local Planning Authority (LPA), or reach out to one of our planning specialists.
