Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garage Roofs in the UK?

Most garage roof replacements or garage refurbishments in the UK will fall under ‘Permitted Development Rights’. These rights allow homeowners to make some improvements or extensions to their homes without the need to apply for planning permission.

There will be times when you do need to get planning permission though.

We have written this guide to help homeowners like you to understand the development rules for garages. We will cover:

• Do you need planning permission to replace a garage roof?
• Do you need planning permission to raise a garage roof?
• Is there planning permission required for an asbestos garage roof?
• Other important regulations for garage conversions
• How to apply for planning permission when you need it

What Are the Building Regulations for Garage Roof Replacements?

Replacing the roof of your garage will most often come under something known as “permitted development rights.”

These rights mean that you won’t need planning permission to get the work done – so long as the existing roof height and main structure of the garage aren’t changed too much.

That being said, you do still have a responsibility to make sure that the work is done safely and is compliant with local building regulations. These regulations help you to know that your garage and the roof are watertight and structurally sound.

When You Might Need Planning Permission for a Garage Roof Replacement

Most garage re-roofing projects won’t need permission, but there are some exceptions. 

Listed Properties or Conservation Areas

Significant Structural Changes

You may want to increase the roof height of your garage or change the shape of the roof during a garage refurbishment project. Maybe you want to add some roof lights, too? These changes could mean your building plans will fall outside of your permitted building rights and may need approval to go ahead.

Attached Garages

Is your existing garage connected to the main house or to a neighbours? You may find that some domestic rules apply under The Party Wall Act.

Do You Need Planning Permission to Raise a Garage Roof?

If your garage roof conversion will raise the total height of your garage to more than 4 metres, you will also need planning permission.

Here are some other important things to think about if you are considering raising the height of your garage roof:

Going Over the Maximum Height Limit

Listed Buildings / Conservation Areas

Attached Garages

Think About Structual Integrity

Don’t think that raising the roof of your garage is only about making it taller—you should also be wary of how the changes you make will impact the structural integrity of your garage.

You may need to get an expert to:

1) Assess if the foundation and walls of your garage can support the extra weight that will be added

2) Make sure your garage is compliant with any building regulations

3) Create drawings or give you calculations/figures if you need to fill out a planning application

Do You Need Planning Permission Convert a Flat Roof to a Pitched Roof?

Turning a flat roof into a pitched roof is going to add some height to your garage. You won’t need permission to make this change as long as the new roof is less than 150mm (15cm) taller than the existing roof.

As with the other changes we have talked about, if your garage is attached to a listed building or in a specially designated area, you are going to need permission from your local council.

What is a Pitched Roof?

There are two types of pitched roofs:

1) Single-Pitched Roof: A sloped roof or ‘mono-pitched roof’ that leans in one direction. Usually a good choice if your garage is attached to your main house.

2) Dual-Pitched Roof: A more traditional roof that has two sloping sides that meet in the middle. This is a good choice for better drainage and insulation.

Effect on Surrounding Properties

Is Planning Permission Required to Replace an Asbestos Garage Roof?

No. Planning permission isn’t needed to remove or replace an asbestos roof on your garage. There are going to be some strict local rules and restrictions for the safe handling and disposal of any asbestos materials though.

Asbestos is an extremely hazardous material. We always recommend that you hire a licenced contractor who specialises in asbestos removal and/or use a local hazardous waste disposal service

Safe Asbestos Removal and Building Regulations

You may not need planning permission to remove or replace an asbestos garage roof, but you do still need to do it safely and while paying attention to local regulations.

Safe Handling

Asbestos must never be broken up or cut. This releases dangerous fibres into the air that can lead to major health problems down the line for anyone who breathes them in.

Safe Disposal

Asbestos waste needs to be thrown away at a licenced facility. You must not place it in your general waste bin.

How to Remove an Asbestos Garage Roof

We strongly recommend that you hire a professional to remove your asbestos roof. If you must do it yourself:=

1) Wear single-use clothing and protective equipment like face masks and gloves.

2) Double-bag any asbestos waste and label it.

3) Dispose of the asbestos at a licensed hazardous waste disposal site.

4) Notify your local authority if their website or local housing estate regulations require you to do so.

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garage Conversion or Refurbishment?

Most garage refurbs will only involve internal work – such as replacements or repairs – and won’t need planning permission to complete. You will usually be able to convert your existing garage into a living space, an office, or a gym, without approval.

There will be some cases where you might need permission, though.

These include if you’re planning to add an extension to increase floor space/garage size, make major structural changes, or live in a conservation area. You can find out more about planning permission for garage conversions in our specific guide.

How to Apply for Planning Permission if You Need It

So, you have read this article and have come to the conclusion that you will need planning permission for your garage project.

Here is a quick guide on how to apply for planning permission:

1) Review your permitted development rights and check if you need planning permission with your local planning authority. You can find out who that is by clicking here.

2) Prepare your application. Include detailed plans about the structure itself and any planned repairs or construction work.

3) Submit a building notice if you are making substantial changes to the structure of your garage.

4) Obtain a lawful development certificate so you can prove the work that will be carried out is lawful.

5) Speak to an expert who can assess your garage roof and your plans before work begins.

Where to Seek Advice

If you’re still not sure whether your garage roof replacement or conversion will need planning permission, the best thing you can do is contact your local planning authority or talk to a professional garage refurbishment company, like Danmarque.

They will be able to help with guidance on whether your garage is covered by permitted development rules.