Garage Planning Permission: A Complete Guide

Do I need Planning Permission For My Garage?

In many cases, you won't. Many garages can be built under Permitted Development without planning permission, as long as they meet the relevant rules..

This guide explains when planning permission is required, when Permitted Development applies and what to do if you need to submit an application.

When you can build without planning permission

Here’s an overview of how the Class E permitted development rules apply to garages.

• Location: The building must be at the side or rear of your house, not in front of it.
• Height: The maximum height is 4 metres with a dual-pitched roof or 3 metres for any other roof. Eaves can’t be higher than 2.5 metres. If the outbuilding is within 2 metres of a boundary, the whole structure must be below 2.5 metres.
• Ground coverage: Altogether, your outbuildings and extensions must not cover more than 50% of the land around the original house (as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948).
• Designated land: In National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Broads, or World Heritage Sites, any outbuilding more than 20 metres from the house must have a total area of no more than 10 square metres. In conservation areas, no outbuilding can be built to the side of the house.
• Listed buildings: If your home is listed or the outbuilding would sit within the grounds of a listed building, you’ll need full planning permission.
• Use: The building must be used for home-related purposes, such as parking or storage, not for residential use.
• Other limits: You can’t add verandas, balconies, or raised decks higher than 30 cm.

If your design meets these conditions, it should fall within permitted development rights, and you won’t usually need to apply for planning permission. 

If you're positioning your garage close to a neighbouring property, read our article about building a garage near a boundary.

It’s still best to double-check with your Local Planning Authority or use the Government’s Planning Portal to confirm before you start.

When you need planning permission

You’ll need permission if your proposed garage:

• Exceeds the height or size limits above
• Sits in front of the house, or
• Falls outside permitted development due to location; for example, on designated land or beside a listed building
• Doesn't meet one or more of the Class E conditions.

If you’re unsure, check with your Local Planning Authority before work begins. A quick call or email can save a lot of time later and prevent problems if the council decides your build needs permission after all.

If you skip permission when it’s needed, the council can make you alter or take down the building.

For the latest guidance, visit the Planning Portal.

Applying for planning permission

If your garage doesn’t qualify as permitted development, you’ll need to apply for planning permission from your Local Planning Authority. Most councils let you do this online through the Planning Portal.

You’ll need to include drawings, a site plan, and details on the building's size, materials, and purpose. It’s a good idea to ask for pre-application advice before you submit anything. This can highlight any potential issues early and save time later.

When deciding your application, the council will usually consider:

• the size
• the design
• the position
• the impact on neighbours
• parking and access
• drainage.

Most applications take around eight weeks, but complicated ones can take longer. If your application is refused, you usually have three months to appeal.

You can find additional guidance in the Government's Planning Practice Guidance.

Before you start building

If you think your garage falls under Permitted Development, it's still worth checking with your Local Planning Authority before work begins. A quick conversation can help confirm what applies to your property and avoid problems later on.

If you'd like written confirmation, you can also apply for a Lawful Development Certificate. 

This isn't compulsory, but many homeowners choose to get one for extra peace of mind, especially if their project is close to the permitted limits or they plan to sell the property in the future.

Planning a New Garage?

Whether you're building under Permitted Development or need planning permission, it's worth getting the design right from the start.

At Olson Timber Buildings, we design and build bespoke timber garages and carports to suit your property. We can also provide drawings and plans to support your planning application if they're needed.

Take a look at our range of timber garages and timber carports, or get in touch with our team for friendly advice about your project.

If you're planning a traditional-style building, our article about oak framed garages and carriage houses explains the differences and the options available.