Car Ports in Steyning (116)

​​In most cases you do not need planning permission to build a car port.

Car ports are generally classed as permitted development and don’t require planning permission.

Planning permission will not be required unless your car port fits into one or more of the following:

• The carport is built forward of the principal elevation wall (the main house)

• It is more than single storey

• It has a maximum eaves height of higher than 2.5 metres

• It has a maximum overall height of more than 4 metres

• It covers more than half the land around the original house

• The property is located in a conservation area, national park or AONB

• The property is a listed building

If you are unsure if you require planning permission to build a carport, it’s a good idea to contact your local authority to make sure.

In most cases, you can build a car port to within 500mm from your property’s side boundary.

If you are building a car port to the front of your property, it must be within 50mm of the front boundary.

Yes. In general, carports can be built to the side of UK properties.

Your car port must be:

• No higher than single storey

• Have a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres

• Have a maximum overall height of 4 metres

• Cover no more than half the land around the original house

The maximum width for a UK carport is 3.6 metres wide. More than 95% of UK cars will fit into a 3-metre-wide carport. Therefore, 3.6 metres is plenty of space for most motorists.

For most homeowners, getting a carport is definitely worth it. They are reasonably priced and provide a range of benefits.

When you install a carport, you will enjoy the following benefits:

• Protection for your vehicle against weather damage

• Protection for your vehicle against theft and vandalism

• A cooler vehicle during the summer

• UV protection

• An affordable home improvement

• A shaded space to cool down in summer

• Sheltered storage space

• Increased property value

Carports are also a versatile structure. Some people choose to install them as a canopy over a patio area to allow for year round al-fresco dining and entertaining.

This depends on the installation of your carport. If the carport is attached to the exterior property wall and can be easily removed, it is not considered a permanent structure.

If, however, it is secured with concrete foundations, then it is considered a permanent structure.

A garage is a fully enclosed structure. It has a roof, walls, and a door big enough for a car to enter.

A carport, on the other hand, does not have doors or walls. Carports generally feature a freestanding roof, supported by columns or poles.

It is possible to turn a carport into a garage. The carport roof and supporting structure can be used with the addition of insulated walls and a door.

Converting a carport to a garage, however, will usually require planning permission.

If you’re planning to build a carport, here are some tips to help your project to run as smoothly as possible:

• Ensure that you have all the required permissions before you start

• Create a detailed construction plan

• Ensure you know the location of any underground pipework before any groundwork

• Ensure that the roof won’t obstruct power lines or cause a fire hazard

• Start with a metal frame

• Set your supporting posts securely

• Consider hiring a professional

No. You can safely install a carport without foundations. They can even be installed into paving stones, gravel, or cement.

With regular use, however, the weight of a car can compromise a carport’s stability if it is not correctly installed. Therefore, some light foundation work may be preferable to ensure the stability of your carport.

Installing a single carport will cost between £2,000 and £4,000. In some cases, they can cost more; it all depends on your car port design and size.

Have a read of our car ports cost guide for more detailed information.