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Do I need planning permission to operate a business from my garage?
In most cases, yes - planning permission is required to operate a business from your garage. This is because the use would no longer be purely domestic, and the garage would be considered to have changed use from residential (Class C3) to a business-related use, which requires planning consent.
Common Questions
In many cases, yes. Converting a single residential property (Class C3) into a small House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to six occupants can often be done under permitted development rights, specifically under Class L. This means that planning permission isn’t usually required.
However, if your property is located in an area covered by an Article 4 Direction, permitted development rights are removed, and you would need to apply for full planning permission to change the use from C3 (dwellinghouse) to C4 (HMO).
Read more information about use class changes on Planning Portal
A single storey rear extension can fall under permitted development, meaning planning permission may not be required providing it meets certain criteria.
In terms of height, the extension must:
- Be no taller than four metres at its highest point
- Have eaves no higher than the eaves of the original house
- Not exceed the height of the original dwelling
Read about planning permission for extensions on Planning Portal
Once submitted, your planning application first goes through a validation process. After its validated, the formal decision period is 8 weeks. However, in some cases, especially for more complex proposals or if further information is needed, your local authority may request an extension of time.
Understand more about the decision-making process on Planning Portal
Rules governing outbuildings apply to sheds, playhouses, greenhouses and garages as well as other ancillary garden buildings such as swimming pools, ponds, sauna cabins, kennels, enclosures (including tennis courts) and many other kinds of structures for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse.
If you are unsure if your planned building falls into the category of 'outbuildings' or if you are unsure if planning permission is required, please contact your local planning authority.
Outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, not needing planning permission, subject certain limits and conditions.
Read about the limits and conditions for outbuildings
Under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended), you have a general permission to install an antenna up to a specific size on property without the need for planning permission. This general permission depends on your house type and area. Your local planning authority can give you more advice.
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