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Do I need planning permission to build above an attached garage?
Building above an attached garage is treated the same as adding a storey to the rest of your home. This is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission provided you meet the set rules and requirements.
You will still need to submit an application for prior approval to your local planning authority.
Read the list of rules and requirements for extending upwards.
Common Questions
Demolishing a building may require planning permission or prior approval, depending on factors such as the building’s type, size, and location.
Before starting any demolition work, it’s important to consult your local planning authority to confirm what permissions are needed. This helps avoid the risk of enforcement action or legal consequences.
You will also need to ensure you conform to the building regulations around the demolishing of a building.
The conversion of a garage, or part of a garage, into habitable space, will normally require approval under the building regulations.
As part of the garage conversion, it is likely that the original garage door will be in-filled with a new wall and possibly a window or door, and a new foundation may be needed for the new wall.
As well as the foundation, you also need to consider:
- Floor
- Walls
- Ventilation
Read more about the building regulations for garage conversions.
Planning permission is unlikely to be required for the installation of external damp proofing unless the work will change the external appearance of the building or is part of a larger project.
If you live in a listed building you will need listed building consent for any significant changes, this can include external damp proofing. Additional rules may also apply if you live in a Conservation Area or other protected area.
Building regulations approval is not required for installing an external damp proof course (DPC).
Work that requires building control approval will require a completion notice to be submitted to the building control body. The completion notice must be sent within five days of the work being completed, once submitted, the building control body can visit the site to complete a final inspection.
If the work meets the required standards they will issue a completion certificate.
Climbing frames are classed as ‘outbuildings’ meaning they are classed as permitted development, not requiring an application provided they meet the limits set out in legislation. One of these limits is that they cannot be in front of the house.
The key restrictions for a climbing frame will be the height; how close it can be to the properties boundaries and where it can be located.
A full list of limits and conditions can be found on our outbuildings common projects.
If the climbing frame exceeds any of the limits set out in legislation an application for planning permission is required.
