At Nationwide Home & Leisure we would always recommend checking with your local authorities planning department before starting any building works, this post is intended as a rough guide only.

Planning rules for garages relate to the size and position of the building in relation to your property and those around it.
In most 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.
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.
- They are more than 2.5m from any boundaries.
- At least half of the original garden area remains uncovered.
- No outbuilding on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation of the original house.
- 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.
If you’re looking to start your oak journey today get in touch and we can help provide detailed guidance and support on an individual basis, to help you make an informed decision about any building you may wish to erect
My parents want to put a garage on their property before winter. Thank you for pointing out that oak garages can be built without the need for planning permission.
I have never heard of permitted development. Since a professional installer should be able to provide everything to properly build the structure, they can take it from there. Once the installer is hired, you’re free to sit back and wait.
I want to build an oak double car carport with pitched roof, what is possible under permitted development please