Planning & Advice for Oak Buildings
When investing in an oak-framed garage, gazebo, pergola or porch, one of the first questions many homeowners ask is: “Do I need planning permission?” The answer depends on the type of building, its size, and its position within your property.
The good news is that many garden buildings fall under Permitted Development Rights, which means you can build without a planning application, but strict conditions apply. Below, we’ve set out the key rules based on official UK Government and Planning Portal guidance.
Do you need planning permission for a pergola?
Most pergolas in the UK can be built under permitted development, but there are restrictions:
Height rules:
- Up to 2.5m high if built within 2m of a boundary.
- Up to 3m high for flat/single roofs further from the boundary.
- Up to 4m high for dual-pitched roofs further from the boundary.
Placement: Pergolas cannot be built forward of the front wall (principal elevation) of your home.
Designated land: In conservation areas, National Parks, or for listed buildings, planning permission is almost always required.
Common questions:
- How high can a pergola be without planning permission in the UK?
2.5m if near a boundary, up to 4m if further away with a pitched roof.
- Can you build a pergola next to a fence in the UK?
Yes, but the height must not exceed 2.5m.
- Do I need planning permission for a wooden pergola?
Usually no, provided the size and placement follow the above rules.
- What size pergola needs council approval?
Anything taller or larger than the limits above.
Gazebo planning permission
Like pergolas, many gazebos can also be built under permitted development.
Height rules:
- Maximum 2.5m if within 2m of a boundary,
- Up to 4 m with a pitched roof, further from the boundary
Boundary rules: You can build close to a neighbour’s fence or property line, provided the structure is no taller than 2.5 m at that boundary.
Restrictions: Gazebos cannot cover more than half the garden area and must not be placed in front of your home.
Common questions:
- Does a wooden gazebo need planning permission?
Usually no, unless it exceeds height or coverage limits, or is in a conservation area.
- How close to the property line can I build a gazebo?
Right up to it, but the structure must be under 2.5m high at that point.
- How close to a neighbour’s fence can I build a gazebo?
As close as you like, provided it is no taller than 2.5m at that boundary.
Garage planning permission
Oak-framed garages are larger structures, so planning rules are more detailed. Under permitted development, garages must be single-storey.
Height limits:
- Maximum 2.5m if within 2m of a boundary,
- 4m maximum for dual-pitched roofs.
- 3m maximum for other roof types.
- 2.5m maximum if within 2m of a boundary.
Coverage: The garage, plus any other outbuildings, cannot cover more than 50% of the garden (curtilage) around your original house.
Placement: Garages cannot be built in front of the main house.
Use: If you plan to use the garage as living space rather than storage, planning permission will almost always be required.
Common questions:
- Do you need planning permission for a garage?
Often no, if it meets size and placement rules.
- How big a garage can I build without planning permission?
Up to 4m high, within 50% of the garden, and not forward of the house.
- How close can I build a garage to my neighbour’s boundary in the UK?
You can build next to the boundary, but it must be no taller than 2.5m at that point.
- Do you need planning permission for an oak framed garage?
Smaller garages may not; larger multi-bay garages typically do.
What can I build in my garden without planning permission?
Under UK permitted development rights, you can usually build the following without council approval:
- Pergolas and gazebos up to 2.5m high near a boundary and 3 to 4 m elsewhere
- Oak garages up to 4m high and less than 50 percent of the garden
- Oak porches up to 3m high and no more than 3m² floor area, and not forward of any highway-facing elevation.
- Other garden structures (sheds, greenhouses, summerhouses), provided they do not exceed the 50% coverage rule.
Common questions:
- How high can you build a wooden structure without planning permission?
2.5m near boundaries, 4m maximum further into the garden with a pitched roof.
Applying for planning permission
If your building exceeds permitted development limits, you’ll need to apply through your local planning authority. Applications can now be completed online via the Planning Portal.
At Greenacre Oak, we guide clients through the process and help design frames that maximise permitted development potential while complying with UK planning law.
Contact us for planning advice
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