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Is planning permission required for a car port?

A carport can fall under permitted development rights provided it meets certain limits and conditions set out in legislation. If you exceed or fail to meet a requirement then you will require planning permission.

If not attached to the house, a car port will be treated as an ‘outbuilding’. A full list of requirements is available on our outbuildings common project.

Read our outbuilding common project.

Common Questions

Do I need planning permission to add a garden office?

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

Browse our Outbuildings Mini Guide

I want to build my own house, what do I need to know?

Research indicates that more than half of the population would like to build their own home at some point in their lives. While it is a significant commitment that demands time and dedication, the reward is a home designed specifically to suit your needs and lifestyle.

As part of the self-build journey you will have to consider many factors including:

  • Finance
  • Location and acquiring land
  • Modular homes
  • Planning permission.

Read detailed guidance about self-build homes on Planning Portal

Is planning permission and building control approval required for removing internal walls in a flat?

Planning permission is not required for moving internal walls in a flat.If the building is a listed building, you may require listed building consent.

Removing a load bearing wall will require building control approval as it is altering the structure of the property. You will be required to provide a report from a structural engineer who will provide structural calculations.

Work on internal walls may also affect fire escape routes, ventilation, drainage or electrics. These should be considered during the design process and work should be carried out by a member of the competent person scheme where possible.

Do I need building regulations approval or planning permission to change the roof on my conservatory?

Many homeowners choose to replace their traditional polycarbonate conservatory roof with a solid tiled roof for better thermal efficiency.

If the change significantly alters the structure or appearance of the roof, then planning permission may be required. Most alterations to roofs are considered permitted development, providing they meet the limits set out in legislation.

A new roof must comply with building regulations to ensure it is structurally safe, energy efficient and properly ventilated.

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.

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