If you’re considering adding a wood double garage to your property, you might be wondering whether you need planning permission.
It’s a common question, and an important one to get right before you commission a bespoke timber building.
At Shields Buildings, we’ve been crafting wooden garages across Devon since 1991, so we know exactly what does and doesn’t require planning; and what to do if permission is needed.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. The general rule – many timber garages don’t require planning permission
In most cases, a wood double garage falls under what’s known as Permitted Development Rights.
That means you can usually build it without planning permission, as long as it meets a few straightforward conditions.
According to UK government planning rules, your timber garage will typically be classed as an outbuilding.
Outbuildings don’t need planning permission if:
- They’re for domestic use only (not business or living accommodation)
- They’re located behind the front wall of your house
- They take up less than half of the garden area
- The building is single storey and no higher than 4 metres (with a dual-pitched roof)
- The eaves are under 2.5 metres high and the overall height doesn’t exceed 2.5 metres if within 2 metres of a boundary
So if your wooden garage fits within these limits, you’ll most likely be fine to get going without formal planning approval.
2. When is planning permission required?
There are still situations where planning rules apply – you’ll probably need planning permission if:
- Your property is listed
- The garage is to be built in front of the house (or beside the house within a National Park, Conservation Area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)
- You plan to use it as living accommodation
- The size or height exceeds the limits listed above
If you live in the South West, it’s worth noting that parts of Dartmoor, Exmoor, the North Devon Coast, the Tamar Valley and the Blackdown Hills are all designated AONBs. Planning rules are often tighter in these areas, so it’s always best to check with your local planning authority before starting work. To better understand what’s possible, you can view real customer projects completed in similar locations and review the timber building specifications to ensure your design meets both planning and site requirements.
If you’re not sure where you stand, we can help – having served the South West since 1991, we can tell you quickly whether or not planning is required.
3. How Shields Buildings help
If you choose to work with us at Shields Buildings, we’ll guide you through the entire planning process from the very first enquiry.
Because every timber garage we design is bespoke, we assess your site carefully to ensure the design meets both your needs and planning regulations. Where required, we’ll help prepare drawings suitable for you to submit to the local authority, removing the hassle and uncertainty from the process.
We’ve been building timber garages and carports across Devon for more than three decades, and our experience means we know how to ensure your structure fits both the space and the law.
4. Quality, design and compliance go hand in hand
Every wooden garage we build is handcrafted at our workshop near North Tawton, using pressure-treated, sustainably sourced timber designed to withstand the South West weather and look beautiful for years.
When you opt for a traditional wooden double garage, our focus is always the same: creating a building that’s functional, compliant, and built to last — without the stress of navigating planning on your own.
Your next step
If you’d like to find out whether your wood double garage will need planning permission, or you’re ready to start designing one that perfectly fits your property, we can help.
You can:
- Book a free site visit – we’ll assess your space and talk you through planning requirements.
- Visit our display site in North Tawton, open 7 days a week.
- Download our brochure or request a price guide to explore your options.
At Shields Buildings, we take care of every detail — from planning to installation — so you can enjoy a beautifully crafted garage that fits your home, your car, and your peace of mind.
