Do I Need Planning Permission for a Carport?
Usually NO
In most cases, NO — a carport at the side or rear of the house is usually permitted development as an outbuilding, provided it is open-sided.
Keep reading for the full rules.
A carport — an open-sided covered parking structure — is generally treated as an outbuilding under Class E of the GPDO 2015. An open-sided carport at the side or rear of the house that meets the height and coverage rules is usually permitted development.
Permitted Development Rules by Region
Permitted Development Rules — England
- ✓An open-sided carport in the rear or side garden is generally permitted development.
- ✓It must not be forward of the principal elevation (front of the house).
- ✓If within 2 metres of the boundary, maximum height is 2.5 metres.
- ✓If more than 2 metres from the boundary: maximum 4 metres (dual-pitched) or 3 metres (other roofs).
- ✓Must not cover more than 50% of the garden.
- ✓An enclosed carport (with walls) is treated as a garage — same rules apply.
Size & Position Limits (England)
| Requirement | Limit / Rule |
|---|---|
| Open-sided carport (side/rear) | Usually PD |
| Front garden carport | Planning permission required |
| Max height (within 2m of boundary) | 2.5 metres |
| Max height (beyond 2m) | 3–4 metres |
| Max coverage | 50% of original garden |
When Do You Need Planning Permission?
Even if your project is usually permitted development, planning permission is required in these circumstances:
- ✗The carport is in the front garden or forward of the principal elevation.
- ✗The carport exceeds the height limits.
- ✗The total outbuildings plus carport cover more than 50% of the garden.
- ✗Your property is listed.
What Happens If You Build Without Permission?
A carport in the front garden without permission can be subject to enforcement action.
Enforcement notices: Your council can issue an enforcement notice requiring you to stop the work, remove it, or restore the land to its original condition. You have a right of appeal against an enforcement notice.
Retrospective applications: If you have already carried out work that required planning permission, you can submit a retrospective planning application. If approved, this regularises the work. If refused, you may be required to remove it.
Time limits: For dwelling houses, the council generally has 4 years to take enforcement action for most types of work. For breaches of planning conditions, the time limit is 10 years. There is no time limit for listed building enforcement.