Do You Need Planning Permission for a Car Port

A car port is a convenient and relatively simple way to protect vehicles from the elements, offering shelter from rain, snow and sun without the cost or complexity of a fully enclosed garage. Whether you are considering a freestanding structure or one attached to the side of your home, it is essential to understand whether you need planning permission before starting the build. In many cases, car ports are allowed under permitted development rights, but only if certain conditions are met.

Permitted Development Rights for Car Ports

In England, most homeowners can build a car port without applying for planning permission if the structure meets specific criteria set out under permitted development rights. These rules apply only to houses, not to flats or maisonettes, and may be restricted in conservation areas, national parks or where an Article 4 Direction is in place.

To be considered permitted development, the car port must be a single-storey structure with a maximum height of four metres if it has a pitched roof or three metres for other roof types. If the car port is located within two metres of any boundary, the overall height must not exceed 2.5 metres. It must not be located forward of the principal elevation of the house if it faces a road and must not cover more than fifty per cent of the total land around the original house, which includes all outbuildings and extensions.

Car ports are typically open on at least two sides. If the sides are enclosed, the structure may be considered a garage or an outbuilding, which could change how planning rules are applied. An enclosed space may also attract Building Regulations if it affects drainage, fire separation or access.

When Planning Permission Is Required

Planning permission will be required if the car port exceeds the height or size limits under permitted development. For example, a structure taller than four metres, or within two metres of a boundary and taller than 2.5 metres, will need formal approval. Planning permission is also necessary if the car port is sited in front of the house or significantly alters the appearance of the property in a way that is out of character with the surrounding area.

If your home is listed or located in a conservation area, additional restrictions apply. In such cases, planning permission is likely to be required even for modest car port structures. Where permitted development rights have been removed, either through a planning condition or an Article 4 Direction, you will need to apply for permission before building.

If the car port is to be used for anything beyond vehicle shelter – for example, as a workshop, storage area or home office – the local authority may also assess the impact of the change of use and require planning approval depending on its scope and impact.

Building Regulations for Car Ports

In general, Building Regulations do not apply to open-sided car ports that are less than thirty square metres in floor area and either detached from the main house or separated by a fire-resistant wall. If the car port is attached and enclosed, or includes any services such as electrics, Building Regulations may apply, particularly for fire safety and structural integrity.

If the car port has a solid roof and is attached to the house, care must be taken to ensure that water runoff is properly managed and that any rainwater is directed to suitable drainage within the property boundary. Electrical work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations and should be carried out by a qualified professional.

Examples in Practice

A homeowner in York installed a lean-to car port along the side of their house, measuring 2.4 metres in height and open on three sides. Because it was located behind the front wall of the house, under 2.5 metres high near the boundary and covered less than half the garden space, it fell under permitted development and did not need planning permission. In contrast, a homeowner in Bath constructed a pitched roof car port at the front of a semi-detached home within a conservation area. Although the structure met size limits, it faced the highway and changed the appearance of the property, so planning permission was required and granted with design modifications.

Driveway Access and Dropped Kerbs

If you are planning a car port in a location that does not already have vehicle access, you will need to apply for permission from the local highways authority for a dropped kerb. This is a separate process from planning permission and ensures that vehicles can safely access the highway. Installing a dropped kerb without permission can lead to enforcement action and may prevent lawful use of your new structure.

Certificate of Lawfulness

If you are unsure whether your proposed car port qualifies under permitted development, or you want legal confirmation for future sales or mortgage purposes, you can apply to your local authority for a Certificate of Lawful Development. This document confirms that planning permission is not required and provides written assurance that your structure complies with planning rules.

Conclusion

In many cases, you do not need planning permission to build a car port, provided the structure meets the limits of permitted development. This includes size, height, location and use restrictions. If your home is listed, in a conservation area or affected by an Article 4 Direction, or if the car port is to be placed at the front of your house, planning permission may be required. Building Regulations will apply in some cases, particularly if the structure is enclosed or includes electrical installations. By understanding the regulations and checking with your local planning office when in doubt, you can build a compliant and practical car port for your property.