Do I Need Planning Permission For A Garage?
Understanding Planning Permission for Garage Projects in Milton Keynes
One of the biggest joys of being a homeowner is the freedom to make changes to your property. Unlike renting, where you’re bound by the landlord’s contract, homeownership allows for personal improvements without seeking permission. However, this changes when it comes to external alterations such as garages, extensions, conservatories, and other outbuildings. If you’re planning any additions or modifications, it’s essential to check if you need planning permission in accordance with the UK law by contacting your Local Planning Authority (LPA) in Milton Keynes.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garage?
Building a new garage is a popular home improvement project. In most cases, planning permission isn’t necessary, but there are exceptions. The need for planning permission depends on the size, position, and relation of the garage to the property and surrounding features.
Permitted Development Rights
Outbuildings like sheds, garages, and greenhouses are typically considered permitted developments. This means you don’t need planning permission to build them, thanks to an automatic grant allowing certain works without a planning application. However, these rights are regularly updated and vary across the UK, so always check with your LPA for the latest details.
Garage Planning Permission Guidelines
If you’re planning to build a new garage, you generally won’t need planning permission if the project adheres to specific criteria and avoids certain exceptions. These permitted development allowances apply only to houses, not to flats and maisonettes, converted houses, or listed buildings.
Domestic Purposes
The garage must be used solely for domestic purposes. Commercial use requires consultation with your LPA.
Storage Space
The garage should be used for storage only and not as a living space. Any conversion intended for living purposes will usually require planning permission.
Floor Measurements
The garage’s floor area must be less than 15 square metres if freestanding or less than 30 square metres if attached to the house. If attached, it must be constructed from non-flammable materials and be at least one metre from any boundaries.
Ground Area
The garage and any other buildings within the property boundary cannot cover more than 50% of the total area, excluding the original house site. “Original house” refers to the property as it was first built or as it stood on 1st July 1948.
Elevation and Position
No part of the garage should be in front of the principal or side elevation of the original house that faces a road.
Height
The maximum height for a garage is four metres. If eaves are included, they must be no higher than two and a half metres if the garage is within two metres of the property boundary.
Public Roads
No part of the garage should be within three and a half metres of the property boundary with a public road.
Location Restrictions
If your property is in a World Heritage Site, an area of outstanding natural beauty, or a national park, the garage must be more than 20 metres from any wall of the property and not exceed 10 square metres in area. Confirmation from your LPA is required.
For properties in a conservation area, the garage must not be between the side elevation of the house and the property boundary. If you’re unsure about these rules, consult your LPA.
Planning Permission for Garage Conversions
Garage conversions can add up to 20% more value to your property and increase your living space. With many homeowners using garages for storage rather than parking, converting this space is a practical way to enhance your home. Most garage conversions fall under permitted development rights, especially if they don’t alter the building’s structure. About 90% of garage conversions don’t require planning permission if the work is internal and doesn’t enlarge the existing structure.
However, planning permission is required for the remaining 10%, particularly if the property isn’t covered by permitted development rights, such as:
Flats and maisonettes
Listed buildings
New developments
Homes in conservation areas
Homes near heritage sites, national parks, or areas of outstanding beauty
Conversions for commercial use
How AHI Construction Can Help
The team at AHI Construction hopes this blog has clarified your questions about planning permission for garages and garage conversions. We are experts in home improvement projects and planning permission advice. For further information or assistance, contact us on 01908 597933 or email info@ahi-construction.co.uk.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
