Do You Need Planning Permission for a Car Port?

In most cases, car ports do not require planning permission in the UK, as they are typically classed as outbuildings and fall under permitted development rights.

However, there are important rules around height, location, and size that must be followed.

To stay within permitted development, your car port must:

Be positioned behind the main front wall of the house.

Positioning

Do not cover more than 50% of the land around the property.

Garden Coverage

Be single storey and open-sided (not enclosed like a garage).

Structure Type

Be used for incidental purposes such as vehicle cover or storage.

Intended Use

The maximum height is 2.5m if it is within 2 metres of a boundary. If positioned further away, it can be up to 3m high with a flat or pent roof, or 4m with a pitched roof.

Height Restrictions

Car ports should be built at ground level and not on a raised platform.

Raised Platforms

When Planning Permission Is Required

Planning permission may be needed if:

The car port exceeds height or size limits
It is built in front of the property
It includes raised platforms, balconies, or enclosed sides
Your home is a listed building UK or located in a protected area, such as a conservation area or National Park, where permitted development rights may be restricted or removed.

Need support?

If your project does require approval, we can provide technical drawings to support a planning application.