Do I need Planning Permission For My Garage Or Carport?

If you plan to build a garage or carport on your property, you might be wondering whether you need planning permission. In many cases, you won’t. But it depends on the building’s size and location.

Garages and carports fall under Class E of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO), which covers outbuildings used for everyday domestic purposes, like parking, storage, or workshops. If your design follows the Class E rules, you can usually build without applying for planning permission.

Below, we explain when you can build without permission, when you need to apply, and how to keep the process simple.

When you can build without planning permission

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

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.

But 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 or carport:

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.

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.

Applying for planning permission

If your garage or carport 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 reviewing your application, your council will consider how the building looks, where it’s positioned, how big it is, and how it might affect neighbours, parking, or 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.

Before you build

Planning rules can be confusing, especially if your home is in a conservation area or an AONB.

If you’re not sure whether your project needs permission, speak to your Local Planning Authority or use the Government’s Planning Portal to double-check.

If you want written confirmation that your project is within the rules, you can ask your council for a Lawful Development Certificate. This is optional, but useful if you’re close to the limits or planning to sell later.

At Olson Timber Buildings, we design and build sturdy timber garages and carports. Our team can help you design a garage or carport that fits your space. We can also provide drawings and plans to include in your application.