Garage in Havering: Planning Permission Guide
A guide to building a garage in Havering under permitted development — rules, costs, and professional advice.
Based on 72 decided applications in Havering over 12 months (56 granted, 16 refused).
Havering has substantial Green Belt across the east and north of the borough, covering Upminster, Rainham, and the Ingrebourne Valley. Conservation areas include Upminster Village, Cranham, and Rainham Village. Listed buildings cluster around Rainham Hall and Upminster windmill. Flood zones apply along the Thames and Ingrebourne. Much of the borough is inter-war semi-detached housing with reasonable PD flexibility on unconstrained plots away from the Green Belt fringe.
Recent garage decisions in Havering
The 5 most recent decided applications. Addresses redacted to postcode area.
Conversion of detached garage for use as gym area/store/playroom/bathroom
DEMOLITION OF EXISTING GARAGE AND ERECTION OF SINGLE-STOREY SELFCONTAINED STUDIO WITH 1 CAR PARKING SPACE TO THE FRONTAGE, CYCLE STORAGE …
Demolition of existing detached rear garage and erection of a single storey detached garden annexe within the rear garden to provide anci…
Provision for one new single storey detached garage block to the rear of the property for 12 Tamar Close.
Provision for one new single storey detached garage block to the rear of the property for 10 Tamar Close.
These are borough-wide. See the 5 nearest to your address.
Check your address freePermitted Development Rules
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
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.
Enter your postcode to see the personalised limits for your garage.
Check my limitsTypical Costs in London
Garage costs depend on size, whether it's attached or detached, and whether it includes electrics or additional rooms above.
Cost per m²
construction rate
Typical total
Based on 15–20 m²
Typically includes
Typically excludes
Single garage. Double garages and garages with rooms above will be significantly more.
Get a personalised cost estimate based on your actual garage dimensions.
Get my estimateWhich 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.
Garden buildings and garages can often use supplier designs or simple drawings from a draughtsperson.
Typical fee: £500–£2,000 (Basic drawings)
A structural engineer may be needed if the garage has a room above or connects to the house.
Typical fee: £500–£1,500
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))
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.
Find out exactly which professionals you need for your garage.
Get personalised guidanceConservation Areas & Listed Buildings
In conservation areas, garages are subject to the same Class E rules. Consider using materials sympathetic to the area character.
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 (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.
Check if your property is in a conservation area or has other planning constraints.
Check my propertyFrequently Asked Questions
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