Garage in Croydon: Planning Permission Guide

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

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Garages in Croydon at a glance

100%

approved

£258

application fee

8

weeks typical

Based on 29 decided applications in Croydon over 12 months (29 granted, 0 refused).

Croydon is a large and diverse south London borough with conservation areas around Croydon Minster, Addington Village, Coulsdon, South Norwood, and Waddon. The south of the borough borders Green Belt and the Surrey Hills AONB (National Landscape), triggering Article 2(3) designated land rules in the Biggin Hill and Kenley fringe. Article 4 Directions restrict specific rights in some conservation areas including parts of Shirley, Coulsdon, and Upper Norwood. Flood zones apply along the Wandle valley.

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

Recent garage decisions in Croydon

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

Refused

Demolition of existing detached garage and erection of replacement garage, with associated excavation.

CR52026-03-25
Refused

Demolition of garage and erection of a three storey building with part basement consisting of 4 flats, with associated refuse storage, cy…

CR22026-03-17
Refused

Outline planning application (access, layout and scale only) for demolition of existing garages and erection of two pairs of semi-detache…

CR22026-03-04
Withdrawn application

Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of two-storey detached dwelling with accommodation in roof space and attached garage, and pr…

CR82026-03-03
Granted

Alterations, partial conversion of existing garage to utility space, including raising height of existing flat roof and associated change…

CR22026-02-26

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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