Do You Need Planning Permission for a Car Port?

In most cases, you don’t need planning permission to build a carport in the UK, as long as it meets the rules for permitted development. That means the carport must follow specific size, height, and location limits. If it does, you can go ahead without having to submit a planning application.

To qualify as permitted development, the carport must be open-sided (at least on two sides), single-storey, and must not be taller than 4 metres if it has a pitched roof, or 3 metres if it has a flat roof. It also can’t take up more than 50% of the land around the original house and must be for domestic use only.

You’ll need planning permission if your carport breaks any of the permitted development rules. This includes going over the maximum height, building too close to the boundary at full height, or placing it in front of the principal elevation — which is the front of your home facing the road.

If you live in a conservation area, National Park, or your property is listed, then planning rules are much stricter. In many of these cases, permitted development rights are restricted or removed entirely, meaning you may need permission even for a small carport.

Planning permission is also needed if the carport is part of a larger structure, such as being attached to an extension or garage, or if it’s part of a commercial setup (like a carport for multiple vehicles in a rental property).

If your carport is within 2 metres of a boundary, the maximum height must be no more than 2.5 metres. This is one of the most common stumbling blocks for homeowners. A taller structure close to the boundary can be considered overbearing or intrusive, so the rules are designed to prevent disputes with neighbours.

If you want to build closer to the boundary but need extra height for practical reasons (for example, to fit a campervan), you may need to apply for planning permission. It’s also smart to speak to your neighbours beforehand, even if permission isn’t technically required — it can help avoid complaints and smooth the process if you do end up needing council approval.

For many homeowners, a carport is a practical, lower-cost alternative to a full garage. It protects your car from rain, snow, and UV exposure, helping to reduce wear and tear over time. It also improves convenience — no need to scrape frost in the winter or climb into a sunbaked car in summer.

From a property perspective, a well-built carport can add value or at least increase appeal for future buyers, especially in areas where parking is tight or weather protection is desirable.

They’re also quicker and cheaper to build than garages, often don’t need planning permission, and can be customised to match your home’s exterior. Some people even use them as a covered workspace or shaded sitting area when the car’s not parked there.

The cost of a carport in the UK varies depending on the size, materials, and whether you go for a kit or a custom build. On average:

• Basic timber or metal carport kits: £1,000 – £2,500

• Custom-built, roofed timber carports: £2,500 – £6,000

• High-end or double carports: £6,000 – £10,000+

Additional costs can come from groundwork, planning applications (if needed), and professional installation. If you're adding electrics — like lighting or a charging point — that’s extra as well.

Yes — carport kits are widely available and are a popular option for homeowners looking for a cost-effective, quick solution. You can find kits made from timber, aluminium, or steel, with flat or pitched roofs. Most come with pre-cut materials, fixings, and instructions, and some even offer installation services.

DIY installation is possible for those with decent skills, but for larger carports or anything involving ground prep or roofing, it’s usually better to hire a pro. Also, check that the kit you choose complies with UK regulations — particularly the height and openness of the structure — so you stay within permitted development limits.

Most homeowners assume that because a carport is smaller and more open than a garage, it must be exempt from planning permission — and often that’s true. But just like any structure, a carport still has to meet specific legal and design criteria to qualify as permitted development.

The key thing to remember is that openness matters. To count as a carport under permitted development, it needs to be at least open on two sides. As soon as you start enclosing more of the structure — for example, adding walls or full-height screens — it may no longer be classed as a carport. At that point, it could be treated like a garage or outbuilding, which comes with stricter planning rules.

Even when your carport is fully within the permitted development guidelines, it’s not immune from local restrictions. Some councils impose Article 4 Directions, which remove these rights altogether in specific neighbourhoods. These are common in conservation areas or on newer housing estates where the visual consistency of the street is tightly controlled. If that applies to your property, you’ll need full planning permission regardless of the carport’s size or location.

Also, if your carport affects access to a public road, you might need a dropped kerb application, even if planning permission isn’t required for the structure itself. Driving over a pavement without a dropped kerb is illegal and can result in fines — it’s a common oversight, especially for first-time homeowners or renovators.

Another layer is building regulations. While carports don’t usually need Building Regs approval because they’re open structures, there are exceptions. If the carport is attached to your home, or over 30 square metres, or if it connects to any electrical system (like lighting or EV charging), then building control might need to be involved. It’s not just about getting the carport up — it’s about ensuring it’s built safely and legally.

From a practical perspective, a carport also has to be designed in a way that doesn’t block visibility for drivers or create hazards for pedestrians. If it’s located near the road or a footpath, councils can step in if they think it compromises safety — even if it technically meets development rules.

Lastly, even if planning permission isn’t needed, it’s smart to check your deeds or title restrictions. Some properties, especially on modern estates, include clauses that prevent any external structures without developer or management company consent. These private restrictions can override your legal rights and land you in hot water if ignored.