Although a car port is generally a light-weight (open-sided) structure, it is still treated by the planning system as development requiring planning permission.
However, they can be permitted development (meaning that they do not need express planning permission) under the allowances for outbuildings. These include that they can’t sit forward of the main wall of your house and can’t be more than 2.5m tall if close to a site boundary.
The permitted development rules can be fairly complex so it is usually best to apply for a certificate of lawfulness from your local council before starting work. This confirms that what you are proposing complies with the rules. For a helpful guide to the permitted development rules, search online for the interactive house, a free resource on the Planning Portal website.
Hi Peter,
Although a car port is generally a light-weight (open-sided) structure, it is still treated by the planning system as development requiring planning permission.
However, they can be permitted development (meaning that they do not need express planning permission) under the allowances for outbuildings. These include that they can’t sit forward of the main wall of your house and can’t be more than 2.5m tall if close to a site boundary.
The permitted development rules can be fairly complex so it is usually best to apply for a certificate of lawfulness from your local council before starting work. This confirms that what you are proposing complies with the rules. For a helpful guide to the permitted development rules, search online for the interactive house, a free resource on the Planning Portal website.
Martin Gaine (Build It’s planning expert)