Do You Need Planning Permission to Build a Garage?
Acquiring planning permission is a process that is required for many construction projects.
Usually, planning permission is needed if you are building something new, making a major change to a building (such as adding an extension) or adapting a building’s use.
However, in some cases, planning permission will not be needed and something called permitted development rights can be granted instead. This is preferable, as it can help get the project going quicker and without having to jump through as many hoops as planning permission.
There are a variety of cases where permitted development rights may be suitable instead of conventional planning permission, but what about when building a garage?
In this article, the team here at SAA Industrial & Garage Door Specialists will explain garage planning permission rules and whether you’ll require it for your project.
Do you need planning permission to build a garage?
Generally, you will not need to seek planning permission for a garage at a standard domestic property, but this will depend on several factors.
To build a garage without planning permission, you will need to ensure it:
- Has a floor space of below 15m2 if it is freestanding or 30m2 if it is attached to the property
- Is not going to be used as a living space
- Is not higher than four metres
- Does not take up more than half of your land
- Is only one storey high
As well as this, if you live in a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a World Heritage Site Area, then planning permission will also likely be required.
Do you need planning permission to convert a garage?
Whether or not you require planning permission when converting an existing garage will depend on the specifics of your planned work.
These days, garage buildings are usually multi-purpose and as well as being used to store vehicles, equipment and machinery, they are often converted into home offices, gyms, extra bedrooms and more.
If you’re only making internal changes that do not change the overall size or structure of the garage, it is unlikely that planning permission will be required, but it’s always best to get expert guidance on this to make sure you’re complying with the necessary regulations. Your local authority should also be able to advise.
Do you need planning permission for a garage door?
In most cases, planning permission will not be required when installing a new garage door.
However, there will be some rare cases where it is required.
For example, if you live in a listed building or the property is located in a conservation area, then there may be restrictions regarding what changes can be made. These restrictions will differ depending on the rules of your specific local authority, so it’s best to check with them before completing any work.
Here at SAA Industrial & Garage Door Specialists, we can supply homes and businesses in Brentwood, Waltham Abbey and across Essex with high-quality garage doors and shutters. For more information about our extensive product range, get in touch with our expert team today.
To find out more about our garage door services and to receive a free quote, contact our team today.
