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Whether planning permission applies to your wooden garage depends on where it goes, its size, and how it’s used. Here’s what you need to know to make sure yours doesn’t fall outside the rules, or what to do if it does.
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garage?
Most single-storey wooden garages don’t need planning permission. This applies if it’s used for storing cars or bikes, sits within your property, and don’t go over the height or size limits set for permitted development.
You may need planning permission if it’s right on a boundary, taller than allowed, or at the front of the house. Rules vary depending on where you live in the UK. You can double-check with your local planning authority (LPA) or on the Planning Portal.
What About a Wooden Garage at the Front of the House?
A garage at the front of the house needs planning permission, regardless of whether it’s attached to the house or freestanding. It’s almost always required in Scotland, and the same goes for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Councils tend to be stricter as such placements affect how the property looks from the street. Even a small wooden garage can trigger a planning application if it’s built forward of the house rather than in the rear garden.
This expert guide can give you more insight:
[Can I Put a Shed in My Front Garden?]
Do Wooden Garages Near a Boundary Need Planning Permission?
Planning permission isn’t always needed, but Building Regulations still apply. If a wooden garage is over 15 square metres (internally) and built within 1 metre of a boundary, it has to follow Building Regulations. These regulations would require you to contact the local authority and make certain provisions, such as fireproofing, for the structure to be approved.
This is a fire safety rule, not a planning one, and it applies regardless of whether the garage is classed as permitted development. (We’ll cover more on this later.)
How Tall Can My Garage Be Without Planning Permission?
A garage can be up to 4 metres tall with a pitched roof, or 3 metres if it’s within 2 metres of a boundary, without planning permission. (These figures are for England and Wales.)
Say, your garage is in the back garden with a pitched roof under 4 metres. In that case, it should be a permitted development (provided you haven’t got other rules affecting you). But as mentioned earlier, you’ll need to apply if it’s closer to a neighbour or taller than these limits.
The peak of a pitched roof can add significant height, which may take it over the permitted limits. Measure from the ground to the highest point of the roof, not just the wall height, to make sure it complies.
Do I Need Planning Permission to Use a Garage as Living Space?
Yes, planning permission is needed if you wish to use your garage as overnight accommodation. Changing a garage into a habitable area counts as a change of use, which councils keep an eye on.
But that’s not all! Even with planning permission, your garage still has to follow Building Regulations. These rules make sure the space is safe and usable. Insulation, ventilation, fire safety, drainage, and the structure itself all need to be up to standard.
In simple terms, planning permission lets you build it, and Building Regulations make sure it’s built safely.
There may also be some tax implications from converting a garage into a dwelling. Learn more:
[Council Tax on Garden Buildings in the UK]
Can I Build a Wooden Garage Attached to My House?
Yes, you can, but planning permission is likely. When a garage is attached to your house, it’s treated as an extension rather than a separate outbuilding. Councils will check how it changes the property, including the size, height, and position relative to boundaries.
So, if yours stretches along the side of your house or adds a doorway into it will need approval. Even a small one that joins onto the wall can be affected, so it’s a good idea to check with your local council before you start.
Do Listed Buildings or Protected Areas Need Planning Permission for a Garage?
Wooden garages on listed buildings or in protected areas are not covered by the standard permitted development rights and are treated differently from most normal house projects. Special planning rules include, but not limited to:
- Any outbuilding within the grounds of a listed property will require planning permission. You may also need listed building consent to protect the building’s historic or architectural features.
- Councils check how a new garage will look and fit with the area. Even if it would be allowed, they can refuse permission if the design, size, position, or materials don’t match the area’s character.
- On top of national rules, some councils issue Article 4 Directions that remove permitted development rights in certain areas, meaning even small outbuildings may need planning permission.
Because of these extra restrictions, any garage that would normally be allowed without permission may have to get an application in these special areas. The safest move is to check with your local planning authority before you start.
Are the Rules the Same for All Garage Materials?
Not exactly. The planning and Building Regulation rules mostly depend on size, height, and location, but the material can make a difference.
Wooden garages near a boundary or over 15 square metres must meet specific fire safety standards. Metal garages may need extra attention to insulation, condensation, or structural support.
Should I Check with My Local Council Before Building a Garage?
Yes, always check with your council before you start. Rules can change depending on your location, the size of the garage, or if it’s attached to the house. They might also have extra checks for height, roof style, or distance from boundaries.
Check out the rules for other types of garden buildings:
[Planning Permission Rules for Sheds]
Round-up
We hope this guide helps you get a handle on planning your wooden garage. There are a few things to think about: where it goes, how big it is, what it’s made of, and whether it’s attached to your house.
And always keep in mind that rules can change depending on where you live. These FAQs should give you a good idea of the main rules, but every council can have its own twists. Treat this as a starting point and as a way to get an idea of what might apply before you start building.
Still thinking about getting a wooden garage?
