Do you need planning permission for a timber garage?
Whether you’re thinking of building a new timber garage at the front of your property or a garage workshop in your garden it’s important to first check if planning permission will be needed.
Erecting a wooden outbuilding such as a garage, carriage house or open barn without planning permission can lead to problems and, in the worst case scenario, you may have to take the building down.
So it’s important to understand whether or not the planning rules will apply to you.
Buildings under a certain height, positioned behind the front of your house and away from the property boundary may not require planning permission under the “Permitted Development” exemptions.
What type of timber garage requires planning permission?
Timber garages are classed as outbuildings under planning laws and whether you need planning permission depends on the size of the wooden structure, its height and where you want to position it.
The rules governing wooden outbuildings apply to all structures like prefabricated garages, sheds, garage workshops and greenhouses as well as other garden buildings built for the enjoyment of the property.
Most small outbuildings do not require permission from the local council unless you live within a conservation area or your house is listed. Planning permission can usually be avoided if the proposed structure is behind the building line of your property, is positioned more than 2 metres from the nearest boundary, is under 4 metres tall and occupies less than 50% of the size of the plot in conjunction with other outbuildings.
However, if it is necessary to position your timber garage near a boundary or put it in front of the building line of your home when viewed from the road, then planning permission will almost certainly be needed.
You can check the planning rules for timber outbuildings on the government’s Planning Portal website where you will find an interactive guide to help you decide whether planning permission is required.
Building Regulations for wooden garages
As well as planning permission, your new timber frame outbuilding may need building regulations approval, depending on its size and location.
Small detached outbuildings with a floor area less than 15m² do not require building regulations approval. The same is true of buildings with a floor area of between 15-30m² that are positioned at least 1m from a boundary.
However, if your building has a floor area larger than 30m² or is to be positioned closer than 1m from a boundary, you will need building regulations approval.
If your wooden outbuilding requires building regulations approval, we recommend that you make a 'Full Plans Submission' as opposed to proceeding on a 'Building Notice'. The advantage of a Full Plans submission is that unwelcome last minute snags are avoided; for example, the need to provide fire resistance to a wall due to boundary proximity.
The building control process has been deregulated and you no longer have to apply to your Local Authority. As an alternative, you may make your application to an approved inspector.
Typically a conditional approval will be given within 5 weeks although this may be extended to 2 months if required. This should be factored in when planning your timber garage project.
Prefabricated garage kits
Passmores timber garages come in prefabricated kits that you can assemble yourself, or can be erected by a local builder, or by using our professional assembly service. But, whatever option you choose for your timber frame garage, remember that Planning and Buildings Regulations approvals may still be needed.
If you’re not sure whether planning permission for a prefab garage is needed, it’s a good idea to investigate before settling on the final building location and size.
Once you have this information, you will be able to choose the prefab kit that best suits your needs. Browsing our timber garage designs gallery will help you in your final decision.
Whether it’s a prefabricated kit or a custom-built wooden garage you choose, the team at Passmores is always on hand to provide support during the planning process. Additionally, our technical department can assist with Building Regulation queries.
Passmores: specialist support on your timber garage journey
Passmores have been wooden outbuilding specialists for more than 100 years.
We provide expert knowledge on every aspect of your timber garage journey, from advice about building design and planning permission to support you through the building regulations process.
We can produce a full set of drawings of your wooden structure to support your applications. Costs start at £96 and drawings include section, elevation and plan views together with a detailed specification. The cost is refunded if you subsequently place an order for one of our timber outbuilding structures like a wooden garage, carport, carriage house, sports pavilion or equestrian building.
Got a Planning permission or buildings regulations query? Call us on 01634 290033 and we are happy to help.
Garage Planning Permission FAQs
Do I need planning permission to build a garage in my front garden?
You are likely to need to apply for planning permission to put up a garage at the front of your house, if part or all of it is in front of the principal front elevation of the house (the “building line”) as seen from the road. You will also need permission if the garage is over 4m high, is within 2m of a boundary or occupies more than 50% of your property’s site in conjunction with other outbuildings.
In conservation areas and for listed buildings, permission will always be needed.
Building regulations may also apply, particularly to buildings larger than 30m² in area.
To check requirements in your area, visit the UK Government's Planning Portal website. We offer guidance and professional drawings to support your planning and building regulations applications, so it's simple for you to do.
What are the planning permission rules for oak-framed garages?
Oak-framed garages and detached wooden garages fall under the same planning rules as other timber outbuildings. Planning permission will usually be required if the garage is in front of your building line, within 2m of a boundary, over 4 metres high, or occupies over 50% of your plot in conjunction with other outbuildings. If your house is listed or within a conservation area, permission will usually be required.
Building regulations can also be involved, particularly for timber garages of more than 30m², with the process usually taking 5 – 8 weeks.