Garage in Bromley: Planning Permission Guide

A guide to building a garage in Bromley under permitted development — rules, costs, and professional advice.

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Garages in Bromley at a glance

80%

approved

£258

application fee

8

weeks typical

Based on 125 decided applications in Bromley over 12 months (100 granted, 25 refused).

Bromley is one of London's largest and greenest boroughs, with substantial Green Belt in the south and east around Biggin Hill, Downe, Orpington rural areas, and parts of the North Downs. Conservation areas include Keston, Chislehurst, Shortlands, Farnborough Village, and Hayes. Listed buildings cluster around Down House (Darwin's home), Chislehurst, and Farnborough. Properties in Green Belt locations face tight restrictions on extension size and outbuilding coverage.

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Approval probability, 5 nearest comparables, refusal reasons — for your specific address.

Recent garage decisions in Bromley

The 5 most recent decided applications. Addresses redacted to postcode area.

Granted

Demolition of rear porch, conversion of garage to habitable space, elevational alterations.

BR22026-04-08
PROPOSED USE/DEVELOPMENT IS LAWFUL

Garage conversion to habitable space with elevational alterations LAWFUL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE (PROPOSED)

BR22026-04-06
Granted

Proposed detached carport with electric doors, and gate to side of house.

BR22026-04-02
OBJECTION

Demolition of the existing 16 vacant/derelict garages and the construction of a part 3, part 4 storey building, to deliver nine residenti…

SE92026-04-01
WITHDRAWN

Demolition of an existing 2 storey building, and the erection of a new detached 2 storey 5 bedroom family dwelling (self-custom build) wi…

BR72026-03-30

These are borough-wide. See the 5 nearest to your address.

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Permitted Development Rules

Class EPart 1

Buildings etc incidental to the enjoyment of a dwellinghouse

GPDO 2015, Schedule 2, Part 1, Class E

Garages fall under Part 1, Class E of the GPDO (the same class as outbuildings). They must be incidental to the enjoyment of the house.

Key dimension limits

Max 2.5m if within 2m of boundaryMax 4m with pitched roof (away from boundary)Total coverage ≤50% of garden

These are the maximum GPDO limits for a detached house with no constraints. Your actual limits depend on your property type, location, and any planning restrictions.

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Typical Costs in London

Garage costs depend on size, whether it's attached or detached, and whether it includes electrics or additional rooms above.

GarageLondon

Cost per m²

£1,200£2,200

construction rate

Typical total

£15,000£35,000

Based on 15–20

Typically includes

FoundationsStructureRoofGarage doorElectrics

Typically excludes

Planning application feeBuilding regs feeDriveway

Single garage. Double garages and garages with rooms above will be significantly more.

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Which Professionals Do You Need?

A standard single garage can often be built from supplier designs. A garage with rooms above will need architectural and structural input.

A draughtsperson or architectural technician can prepare any drawings needed. A full architect may not be necessary.

Architect / designerOptional

Garden buildings and garages can often use supplier designs or simple drawings from a draughtsperson.

Typical fee: £500£2,000 (Basic drawings)

Structural engineerOptional

A structural engineer may be needed if the garage has a room above or connects to the house.

Typical fee: £500£1,500

Party wall surveyorOptional

May apply if the work is within 3 metres of a shared boundary. Check with your builder.

Typical fee: £700£1,500 (per neighbour (if applicable))

Planning consultantNot needed

This guidance is based on a typical semi-detached house with no special constraints. Listed buildings, conservation areas, and attached properties may require additional professional input.

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Conservation Areas & Listed Buildings

In conservation areas, garages are subject to the same Class E rules. Consider using materials sympathetic to the area character.

Conservation areas

Properties in conservation areas often have reduced permitted development rights. Some project types (like side extensions) lose PD rights entirely. An Article 4 Direction can remove additional PD rights.

Listed buildings

Listed buildings (Grade I, II*, or II) have no permitted development rights at all. Any external alteration requires Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission. An architect experienced in heritage work is essential.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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