You might be wondering ‘Do you need planning permission for a carport’? Although planning permission for a carport is not usually required in the UK, there are definitely exceptions that you should be aware of.
Carports are a great way to shelter your car from the rain, snow, or sun, acting as an extra layer of protection. At Open Space Concepts, we have a range of stylish carports, which are an aesthetic alternative to a garage. However, you might be wondering about the requirements that come with them.
Luckily for you, this blog is here to answer the burning question – ‘do you need planning permission for a carport?’ Let’s get into it!
What is a carport?
As we briefly mentioned above, a carport is a covered structure that offers limited protection to your car or cars. They can be standalone or attached to the side of your house or building, usually consisting of a roof on posts.
Carports are usually used to shelter your car from damage that can be caused by harsh weather conditions such as wind, rain, or snow. Compared to garages, carports are quick and easy to build, usually taking around a day if you invest in one from Open Space Concepts!
There are many benefits that carports have, including:
- Protection from harsh weather conditions
- Increased security
- Added value to your home
- Convenience when it comes to defrosting your car or transferring groceries to your home
- Versatile storage solution
- Cost-effective
You can choose from plenty of design options, such as carports with a lockable storage room or privacy aluminium panels, as well as completely bespoke constructions suited to your requirements.
For more information regarding our carports and other products, such as our modern awnings, glass verandas and garden rooms, then check out our reviews on Trustpilot!
Do carports require planning permission?
In most cases, no, carports do not require planning permission. However, there are some rules that you should consider before you proceed.
As carports are categorised as outbuildings, they are considered permitted development as long as the following guidelines are adhered to:
- You cannot build in front of the wall that forms the main front of the property
- Any carport must only be single story and the eaves (the overhangings of the roof) cannot be more than 2.5 metres
- The entire building cannot be more than 4 metres tall if it has a pitched roof or 3 metres tall for any other type of roof
- If your carport is within 2 metres of the boundary of your property, it cannot be higher than 2.5 metres total height
- There cannot be any verandas, balconies, or raised platforms that are more than 0.3 metres high
- The floor area of the structure may not exceed 30sqm
- Including any added buildings or additions at your property, you cannot cover more than half of the original land area that the main dwelling is on
There will probably be instances where you’re unsure if carport planning permission is required when carrying out home improvements, despite the guidelines in place. In these instances, it is best to check with your Local Planning Authority before moving ahead with any building work to avoid complications further down the line.
Carport planning rules
In circumstances where you do need planning permission for a carport, you will need to make sure that you follow the correct rules. Some circumstances where you might need planning permission could include your carport being too large, or because it is on the side of the house that is facing the road.
Some other instances when planning permission is needed include:
- In certain natural areas like National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Broads and World Heritage Sites, and any buildings or structures that usually require planning consent
- Outbuildings within the boundaries of listed buildings also require planning permission
Planning permission must be sought through your local planning authority. Each local authority has its own guidelines and timeframes, so make sure that you are following their instructions exactly, as your planning permission could be rejected if you fail to follow the guidelines for submission.
Sometimes, if you still aren’t sure if planning permission is required, it could be a good idea to seek professional advice. You can speak to your solicitors, who might be experienced in planning issues. If your solicitor can’t help, then a local planning consultant might be a better bet. They will have a better understanding of how the local planning office works and be able to offer you invaluable knowledge around obtaining planning permission.
If you are unsure, then we always recommend seeking advice!
Invest in a carport with Open Space Concepts!
Hopefully, we’ve now answered your question ‘do you need planning permission for a carport?’. While the answer to this question is mostly ‘no’, there are some exceptional circumstances where you might need to consider planning permission for your carport.
At Open Space Concepts, we are passionate about the design and installation of bespoke outdoor living structures, allowing you to make the most of your outdoor area. All of our structures offer the perfect blend of style, comfort, and practicality so that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the outdoors!
Please get in touch if you have any more enquiries, or call us directly on 0808 168 0043, today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is planning permission needed for a carport?
Planning permission is needed for a carport when it does not meet the guidelines required of a carport. Reasons could include your carport being too big, or because you live near to a National Park.
How high can a carport be without planning permission?
The maximum height that your carport can be without seeking planning permission is 4 metres and it should cover less than 50% of the land surrounding your property. If it’s within 2 metres of your property’s boundary, its eaves height should be no more than 2.5 metres.
Can I build a carport on my driveway in the UK?
Because carports are categorised as outbuildings, they are considered permitted development, which means that you have to adhere to certain guidelines. Therefore, you can’t build a carport in front of the wall that shelters the main front of your property. Any carport must also be single story and not exceed more than 2.5 metres.
