A carport is an open or partially enclosed structure providing weather protection for a vehicle, typically attached to or standing near the house. For most residential properties in England, a carport falls within the permitted development rules for outbuildings and extensions, meaning no planning application is required. However, several factors can change this position.

Detached Carports as Outbuildings

A free-standing carport in the garden is treated as an outbuilding for permitted development purposes. The standard outbuilding rules allow a structure in the curtilage of a dwellinghouse provided it does not extend forward of the principal elevation or beyond a side elevation that faces a highway, does not exceed 2.5 metres in eaves height, does not exceed four metres in total height with a dual-pitched roof or three metres otherwise, and the total footprint of all outbuildings does not exceed 50 percent of the curtilage excluding the original house. Within these limits, no planning permission is required.

Attached Carports as Extensions

A carport attached to the house, sharing a wall with it or connected to it structurally, is treated as an extension rather than an outbuilding. The extension permitted development rules then apply, including the depth limits for rear extensions and the restriction on side extensions in conservation areas. An attached carport to the side of the house that extends forward of the front wall of the house is particularly likely to require planning permission, as forward extensions are not generally permitted development.

Front of the House

The most common planning issue for carports arises when they are positioned in front of the house. The permitted development rules prohibit outbuildings forward of the principal elevation and restrict extensions from being forward of it. A carport built across the front of a house to shelter the driveway is likely to require planning permission because it projects in front of the principal elevation and may significantly affect the appearance of the property and street scene.

Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings

In conservation areas, the outbuilding and extension permitted development rights are more restricted. Any outbuilding to the side or rear of a house in a conservation area that would be visible from a highway may require planning permission. For listed buildings, all works including outbuildings within the curtilage require listed building consent and potentially planning permission. The consent of the local planning authority's conservation officer is needed for any carport at a listed or conservation area property.

Building Regulations

Small open carports may be exempt from Building Regulations as they are not enclosed buildings. A carport that is substantially enclosed or that has a floor area exceeding 30 square metres, or any carport that includes electrical installations, may require Building Regulations approval. The specific position depends on the degree of enclosure and the associated works.

Summary

Most detached carports in rear or side gardens of residential properties fall within permitted development and do not need planning permission, subject to height and coverage limits. Carports positioned forward of the front of the house, attached carports on the side elevation, and carports at listed or conservation area properties are more likely to require planning permission. Building Regulations may apply to substantially enclosed structures or those with electrical installations.