Many homeowners hope they can build a garage under Permitted Development (PD) rather than applying for full planning permission. The good news is that, in many cases, you can — provided the garage meets strict size, height, placement, and use rules. This guide breaks everything down clearly so you can avoid council issues and move forward with confidence.
Unsure whether your garage qualifies under Permitted Development?
We can check the rules for your property and advise you before you begin.
- Can I Build a Garage Without Planning Permission?
- Permitted Development Rules for Garages
- How Big a Garage Can I Build Without Planning?
- Garage Height Limits
- Where You Can Build a Garage (Placement Rules)
- Does the Material Matter? (Brick, Block, Timber)
- Permitted Development Checklist
- Step-by-Step: How to Build a Garage the Right Way
- Quick Costs Snapshot
- Common Pitfalls & Gotchas
- Building Regulations for Garages
- FAQs
- Key Facts Snapshot
- Next Steps & Useful Guides
- External Authority Links
Can I Build a Garage Without Planning Permission?
Yes — many garages can be built without planning permission in England as long as they meet the requirements of Permitted Development rights. These rules allow homeowners to build certain outbuildings without going through a formal application, provided they don’t exceed height limits, aren’t too close to boundaries, and don’t sit forward of the main elevation facing the road.
Before you begin designing, it’s essential to understand the limits on height, size, and placement. Building outside of these rules could lead to enforcement action, which may require alterations or removal of the garage.
Permitted Development Rules for Garages
Under PD rules, your garage must meet the same criteria as other outbuildings. To qualify:
- The garage must be for domestic use only.
- It must not sit forward of the principal elevation facing the road.
- The total area of ground covered by outbuildings must not exceed 50% of the land around the original house.
- It must meet specific height limits depending on roof shape.
- No verandas, raised platforms, or balconies are allowed.
How Big a Garage Can I Build Without Planning Permission?
There is no strict internal floor area cap for garages under PD. Instead, PD controls the percentage of your garden you can build on. You can build a large garage without planning permission provided it doesn’t cover more than 50% of the curtilage and complies with height rules.
Garage Height Limits Without Planning Permission
Height is the most common reason garages fall outside PD. The limits are:
- Maximum height 4m for a dual-pitched roof.
- Maximum height 3m for any other roof type (flat roof, pent, hip, lean-to).
- If within 2m of a boundary: maximum eaves height 2.5m and maximum overall height of 2.5m.
- Eaves height must not exceed 2.5m anywhere.
Where Can I Build a Garage Without Planning Permission?
Placement matters as much as height.
- You cannot build the garage forward of the principal elevation.
- It must be within the curtilage of your home.
- It must not attach directly to the house if you want to keep it as an “outbuilding”.
Anything attached to the house may be classed as an extension, which has different rules and often requires planning permission.
Does the Material Matter?
No — PD does not restrict you to timber. You can build a garage from:
- Brick
- Block
- Timber
- Steel
The material only becomes relevant if the structure is considered habitable or requires specific fire safety measures under Building Regulations.
Permitted Development Checklist (Quick Reference)
Your garage is likely PD-compliant if it ticks all of the following:
- ✔ Behind the principal elevation
- ✔ Within 50% garden coverage rule
- ✔ Under 4m high (dual-pitched) or 3m (other roofs)
- ✔ Under 2.5m high if within 2m of a boundary
- ✔ Eaves no higher than 2.5m
- ✔ Not on designated land (unless checked)
- ✔ Not attached to the house
- ✔ For domestic use only
Step-by-Step: How to Build a Garage the Right Way (Table)
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check if your property has Permitted Development rights (Article 4, conservation areas, etc). |
| 2 | Measure your proposed size, height, and distance from boundaries. |
| 3 | Confirm the garage sits behind the principal elevation. |
| 4 | Prepare simple concept drawings or have Plans Made Easy prepare them. |
| 5 | Submit a Lawful Development Certificate (optional but recommended). |
| 6 | Notify Building Control or submit a Full Plans application. |
Need clarity on PD rules or placement?
Our team can review your garage idea and confirm whether it qualifies before you build.
Quick Costs Snapshot
- Single brick garage: £11,000–£19,000+
- Double brick garage: £19,000–£35,000+
- Timber garage: £5,000–£15,000+
- Garage foundations: £2,000–£6,000 depending on ground conditions
Common Pitfalls & Gotchas
- Building too close to a boundary and exceeding the 2.5m height rule
- Assuming brick garages always need planning (they don’t)
- Attaching the garage to the house, turning it into an extension
- Forgetting that electrics require Building Regulations sign-off
- Building forward of the principal elevation
Do Garages Need Building Regulations Approval?
Yes — most garages require Building Regulations approval unless they are:
- Under 30m² internally
- Detached
- Built mostly from non-combustible materials
- More than 1m from any boundary
Anything outside these limits will require either a Building Control application or a Full Plans submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can I build a garage without planning permission?
You can build as large as you like as long as you remain within the 50% garden coverage rule and stay within PD height limits.
How high can a garage be under Permitted Development?
4m for dual-pitched roofs, 3m for other roofs, and 2.5m if within 2m of a boundary.
Can I build a brick garage without planning permission?
Yes. PD does not restrict garage materials.
Can I build a double garage without planning permission?
Yes, provided you meet PD height and coverage limits.
Can I build a detached garage without planning permission?
Yes — detached garages often qualify under PD if placed correctly and sized appropriately.
Key Facts Snapshot
- Max Height 4m dual-pitched, 3m flat, 2.5m if within 2m of boundary
- Placement Must be behind the principal elevation
- Garden Coverage No more than 50% of land around original house
- Materials Brick, timber, block, steel — all generally acceptable
- Building Regs Often required depending on size, distance to boundaries, and combustibility
Next Steps & Useful Guides
- Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garage?
- Permitted Development Garage Conversion
- Garage Conversions
- Planning Permission
- Planning Permission for a Shed
- Building Regulations
- Building Control
- Plans for Building Regulations
External Authority Links
Ready to get your garage project moving?
We’ll prepare compliant drawings, advise on PD rules, and handle Building Control submissions.
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