Last edited 17 Jul 2019

Planning Permission For Oak Garages and Outbuildings

[edit] Introduction

Planning rules for garages relate to the size and position of the building in relation to your property and those around it.

In some cases, oak garages and similar buildings can be built without the need for planning permission. This is because they can fall within the parameters of what is known as permitted development.

[edit] Permitted development or planning permission

Outbuildings can be considered to be permitted development, subject to them meeting a list of conditions which include:

Must be single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of 4 metres if it has a dual pitched roof.
Not within 2 metres of the property boundary (unless under 2.5 metres in height).
Outbuildings and other additions must not exceed 50% of the total area of land around the original house. The term ‘original house’ means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date).
No outbuilding on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation of the original house.
On designated land outbuildings to the side of the house are not permitted development. Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Conservation Areas and World Heritage Sites.
To be permitted development, any new building must not itself be a separate self-contained living accommodation. If a building is going to be used as self-contained, living accommodation – planning permission will most likely be required.

When considering or designing a garage or outbuilding it is important to consider all factors including the process of gaining planning permission for buildings which may be marginally outside the permitted development conditions. For those wishing to assess their properties permitted development status, you can download a useful guide from the contributor of this article.

Some organisations that build oak garages will be able to provide detailed guidance and support on an individual basis, to help you make an informed decision about any building you may wish to erect.