Do you Need Planning Permission for a New Garage?

Are you looking for a cost-effective way to extend your home and increase its value? Or maybe you’re in need of additional storage space or a place to safely store your vehicle? Constructing a new garage is a great solution, but some owners may be deterred, under the mistaken assumption that this involves excessive paperwork and red tape.

So do you actually need planning permission for a new garage? Or is the whole process actually simpler than you’d think? The team here at JB Garage Doors is here to help explain.

What is planning permission?

Planning permission is essentially authorisation from your local council that allows proposed construction work to go ahead. In order for planning permission to be granted, the impact of the potential work on your neighbours and the surrounding area will have to be assessed, and you’ll have to demonstrate that your plans comply with all regulations.

Do I need planning permission for a new garage?

Unfortunately, there’s no set answer to this question as it depends entirely on the specific circumstances of the job in question.

Some construction work may be classed as ‘permitted development’. This basically allows certain extensions and home improvement projects to proceed without the need for formal planning permission, provided they comply with specific regulations. However, this only applies to houses – maisonettes, flats and other similar buildings are not exempt. 

Typically, a garage is classed as an outbuilding, so its construction falls under permitted development rights. However, this doesn’t give you the freedom to just do what you want; there are still certain rules that must be followed, such as:

• It must be used for domestic purposes only
• It must not be higher than 4m.
• It must not take up more than 50% of the original land.
• The floor area must be less than 30m² if the garage is attached and less than 15m² if it is freestanding.

Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion?

Provided that you won’t be making any changes to the exterior – for example, extending it further or changing the roofline – then you usually won’t require planning for a garage conversion. However, if you’ll be turning your garage from a domestic space to a place of business, then this may require planning permission as it is classed as a change of use.

If you’re ever unsure about whether your work requires planning permission, it’s best to contact your local planning authority to clarify.

Do I need planning permission for a new garage door?

Generally, you won’t require planning permission for a garage door replacement. However, listed buildings are an exception, as these properties are under special protection from modification as they are deemed to be of special historical or architectural interest. You will instead need to apply for listed building consent. The same might also apply if you live in a conservation area, as there may be an Article 4 Direction in place to protect the character of the community.

How to get planning permission for a new garage

If your new garage isn’t classed as permitted development, you’ll need to apply for full planning permission; otherwise, you risk the structure being knocked down in the future.

You’ll need to contact your local planning authority, who should direct you to their online Planning Portal. Here, you’ll need to fill out an application form, including any relevant certificates and supporting documentation. Once the application fee has been paid, they’ll assess the impact of your planned work on the surrounding area and make a decision, usually within eight weeks.

If you’re looking to build a new garage, you’ll require a high-quality garage door to secure and protect this space. That’s where JB Garage Doors can help, supplying and installing an extensive selection of garage doors at homes across Maidstone, Ashford, Canterbury and beyond. Contact us to find out more.