Kappion is a premium carport & canopy specialist and industry leader in the design and installation of bespoke, contemporary steel carports. Our high-end solutions, including the iconic Curved, Europort and Qubik ranges, are engineered to provide sophisticated protection for your vehicles while enhancing the architectural integrity of your property.
A common question for homeowners is whether these structures require formal planning permission. While many Kappion installations fall under ‘Permitted Development’ (PD) rights, understanding the technical nuances of the legislation is vital for a seamless project. Permitted Development is the statutory right to improve or extend a dwellinghouse without the need for a full planning application, provided specific limits and conditions are met as set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.
Core Definitions: Understanding the Ground Rules
Before assessing specific limits, it is essential to understand the technical terms used by local planning authorities. As specialists, we pay particular attention to these definitions to ensure compliance:
- The Original House: The building as it stood on 1 July 1948 or, if built after that date, as it was first constructed.
- The Curtilage: The land forming the garden or grounds of the house.
- Principal Elevation: This is usually the ‘front’ of the house facing the main highway. It typically contains the primary entrance and main architectural features.
- Article 2(3) Land: Sensitive areas including National Parks, the Broads, Conservation Areas, World Heritage Sites, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
- Height & Ground Level: In planning terms, height is measured from the surface of the ground immediately adjacent to the building. On sloping ground, the “Ground Level” is defined as the highest part of the surface of the ground next to the building. This is a critical measurement for carports installed on inclined driveways.
Class A: Attached ‘Lean-to’ Carports
Carports that are physically attached to the house are governed by Class A (enlargement, improvement, or alteration). To remain within Permitted Development rights, the following limits must be observed:
Class A Permitted Development Limits
| Criteria | Requirement/Limit |
|---|---|
| Total Ground Coverage | Buildings must not exceed 50% of the curtilage (excluding the original house). This includes existing outbuildings and previous extensions. |
| Eaves Height | If any part of the structure is within 2 metres of the boundary, the eaves height must not exceed 3 metres. |
| Rear Height Limits | Single storey only: Max 4m depth for detached houses; 3m for all other houses. |
| Side Height/ Width Limits | Single storey only: Max height of 4m. Width must be no more than half the width of the original house. |
The Materials Condition: To comply with Class A, materials must be of a “similar appearance” to the existing house. While a contemporary Kappion Europort or Curved Carport is constructed from high-grade steel rather than traditional brick, we satisfy this condition through bespoke finishes. By utilising precision powder coating and RAL colour matching to your property’s existing fenestration, doors, or architectural trim, we ensure the structure remains sympathetic to the residence’s aesthetic.
Class E: Freestanding Carports & Canopies
Freestanding structures are governed by Class E (buildings etc. within the curtilage). The fundamental requirement is that the carport must be for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse.
Specific height restrictions apply based on roof design and proximity to boundaries:
- Dual-pitched roofs: Maximum total height of 4 metres.
- Within 2 metres of a boundary: Maximum total height of 2.5 metres.
- Other cases (e.g., flat or curved roofs): Maximum total height of 3 metres.
- Eaves height: Regardless of configuration, the eaves height must not exceed 2.5 metres.
Furthermore, freestanding structures are not permitted on land situated forward of the principal elevation. This restriction includes any area in front of a hypothetical line drawn through the principal elevation to the side boundary of the property.
Additional Restrictions & Article 2(3) Land
Homeowners residing in National Parks, AONBs, or Conservation Areas are subject to stricter statutory controls:
- Class E Restrictions: Structures situated on land between a side elevation of the house and the boundary of the curtilage are not permitted under PD rights.
- Total Coverage Limit: On land within National Parks, the Broads, AONBs, and World Heritage Sites, the total area of buildings situated more than 20 metres from any wall of the house must not exceed 10 square metres.
- Class A Restrictions: Side extensions are prohibited under PD in these areas. Additionally, any rear extension comprising more than one storey is not permitted.
Important Note: Permitted Development rights do not apply to flats, maisonettes, or houses created through a “change of use” (under Classes M, N, P, PA, or Q).
Note: Planning permission and permitted development is sometimes subjective and it is 100% the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that the correct permission has been obtained. Our technical team and surveyors can give you an opinion on permitted development based on experience and the rules but ultimately the final decision is the with the Local Planning Authority and the owner of the property.