Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garage?
Usually NO
In most cases, NO — a detached garage is usually permitted development as an outbuilding, provided it meets the size limits.
Keep reading for the full rules.
Most detached garages can be built under permitted development rights without planning permission. A garage falls under Class E of the GPDO (outbuildings), provided it is in the rear or side garden, meets height and size limits, and is not used as living accommodation.
Permitted Development Rules by Region
Permitted Development Rules — England
- ✓The garage must be in the rear garden or side garden (not forward of the principal elevation).
- ✓It must not exceed 2.5 metres in height if within 2 metres of the property boundary (flat or pent roof).
- ✓It can be up to 4 metres high (dual-pitched roof) or 3 metres (other roofs) if more than 2 metres from the boundary.
- ✓The garage must not cover more than 50% of the garden area.
- ✓It must not be used as living accommodation (sleeping, kitchen, or bathroom).
- ✓Total outbuilding area must not exceed 50% of the garden.
Size & Position Limits (England)
| Requirement | Limit / Rule |
|---|---|
| Max height (within 2m of boundary) | 2.5 metres |
| Max height (dual-pitched roof) | 4 metres |
| Max height (other roofs) | 3 metres |
| Max garden coverage | 50% of original garden area |
| Position | Rear or side garden only — not forward of principal elevation |
| Use | Not for use as living accommodation |
When Do You Need Planning Permission?
Even if your project is usually permitted development, planning permission is required in these circumstances:
- ✗You want to build a garage in the front garden or forward of the principal elevation.
- ✗The garage will be used as living accommodation.
- ✗You are in a conservation area and the garage is in the side garden visible from a highway.
- ✗Your property is a listed building.
- ✗The garage would cover more than 50% of the garden.
- ✗The garage exceeds the height limits.
What Happens If You Build Without Permission?
Building a garage without permission when it is required can result in an enforcement notice. The council has 4 years to take action against unauthorised outbuilding development on dwellinghouses.
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.