Timber Car Ports: Your thoughts.....

[ecain63]

Anyone in the area had a timber car port built at thier home?

Im not going to be able to build a garage on my property due to local regulations but a car port has been allowed as its technically not a permanent structure. I dont want one of those plastic roofed, meatal framed jobbies you see on modern bungalows as the house is a period property. Basically im looking to have a timber framed port built which is going to be in keeping with the overall look of the house.

Anyone got any recommendations or advice? Any clues on expected cost and could i build one myself?

Eddie

[danyeates]

My dad is going for one of these too when he develops the big garage, but not looked into it in much detail yet.

I live near these guys: http://oakcraft.co.uk/ Never used them, but their outfit looks good. Might be a bit OTT though.

[nick1275]

I'm sure if you got one in a kit one and a few beers in, a few of us could pop over and help assemble it. There's a place down at hurn I got my shed from, they were very reasonable and I think they do the kinda thing your after

[nick1275]

Like this ? http://www.logcabinstore.co.uk/brisbane.php

[henrycrun]

Don't forget the lighting, PIR is ok until you want to do some work under the car !

[AdeTuono]

I went down this route a year or so ago. Thought it would be permitted developement. Spoke to all neighbours, showed them plans etc and everyone was fine with it. Placed an order (3-bay, oak-framed with cedar-shingle roof), prepped the base and went on holiday whilst it was due to be erected. On return, when it was up to the roof trusses, my charming neighbour pops up and threatens to kill me for spoiling his view (of my land). I hold off on construction, suggesting a re-design to have a lower roof. He informs the local planning department, who visit and tell me I need retrospective planning permission. I apply and get refused. Am now going through appeal, but face having to tear it down.

Around £20k all installed, with a concrete base, drainage and two-courses of brick to sit it on. Picture is around half-complete, with internal cladding, roof, shingles and extra bracing still to be installed.

[ecain63]

Ouchy! I can see that argument is going to be a sore point for a while in your nieghbourhood! Im assuming he hasnt moved out since complaining?

One point though, isnt what you built a permanent stucture? With the concrete base and brickwork its not just a shed, workshop or car port. If it falls foul of the line between permanent and non-permanent i can see why youd need planning permission. Nice house and land you have though. I hope you get it sorted and finished.

[AdeTuono]

ecain63 said:

Ouchy! I can see that argument is going to be a sore point for a while in your nieghbourhood! Im assuming he hasnt moved out since complaining?

One point though, isnt what you built a permanent stucture? With the concrete base and brickwork its not just a shed, workshop or car port. If it falls foul of the line between permanent and non-permanent i can see why youd need planning permission. Nice house and land you have though. I hope you get it sorted and finished.

Well, apparently I've 'decimated the green-belt'. The structure behind is his shed, so it's hardly 'overpowering and hemming him in'. I guess we'll never be mates now. Shame. None of the other neighbours have a complaint; most of them like the look of it.

Yes, it's permanent, but so would the OP's need to be. The companies who design & build these carports specify the base requirements.

Just want it sorted now. Anyone local (Dorset) on here conversant with the appeal process? I'm happy to pay whatever it costs to get it through. (Sorry for the hi-jack, OP)

[ecain63]

I was under the impression that a car port was not classed as a permanent structure unless it required substantial groundworks such as concreting or was directly attached to the property and had side walls like a garage would. Overhang ports dont come under the regs as they have no side walls.

Thats what i thought anyway.

[AdeTuono]

That's one of the joys of dealing with local planners. I was also told that by both the builder and the company who supplied the building.

Moral is, check with your local planning office before doing anything.

[mgbond]

What u need is a pre fab garage as you don't need planning for them. Yes they need a concrete slab but it's still not classed as a permanent structure. I think. Best check.

http://www.hansonconcretegarages.co.uk/

Bondy

[DanX5]

AdeTuono said:

Well, apparently I've 'decimated the green-belt'. The structure behind is his shed, so it's hardly 'overpowering and hemming him in'. I guess we'll never be mates now. Shame. None of the other neighbours have a complaint; most of them like the look of it.

Yes, it's permanent, but so would the OP's need to be. The companies who design & build these carports specify the base requirements.

Just want it sorted now. Anyone local (Dorset) on here conversant with the appeal process? I'm happy to pay whatever it costs to get it through. (Sorry for the hi-jack, OP)

I can recommend Martin Hannam in Corfe Mullen, myself and many clients have used him with successful results on planning appeals.

We used someone else to begin with on a commercial signage issue and £2k plus later we instructed Martin who for a fraction of the cost got something through as a compromise. A couple of clients I can think of have got through some retrospective residential stuff (one was a two story garage with cinema room and one was a new access road the owner put in place without consent - both got permission without any drama).

[AdeTuono]

Dan, thanks, that's confirming what I've been told. One of my neighbours is having a similar problem (with the same neighbour as me, as it happens) and Martin's name came up in conversation. I'm only a mile away from Corfe Mullen, so will be in touch with him. Personal recommendations are the best ones, IMO.

[Thejimreaper]

AdeTuono said:

Dan, thanks, that's confirming what I've been told. One of my neighbours is having a similar problem (with the same neighbour as me, as it happens) and Martin's name came up in conversation. I'm only a mile away from Corfe Mullen, so will be in touch with him. Personal recommendations are the best ones, IMO.

Mate im fuming for you! Its a bloody lovely looking garage as well. Fingers crossed it gets sorted.

[AdeTuono]

Thejimreaper said:

AdeTuono said:

Dan, thanks, that's confirming what I've been told. One of my neighbours is having a similar problem (with the same neighbour as me, as it happens) and Martin's name came up in conversation. I'm only a mile away from Corfe Mullen, so will be in touch with him. Personal recommendations are the best ones, IMO.

Mate im fuming for you! Its a bloody lovely looking garage as well. Fingers crossed it gets sorted.

With a name like your's, I don't suppose you'd mind paying him a visit, would you?

[Thejimreaper]

AdeTuono said:

With a name like your's, I don't suppose you'd mind paying him a visit, would you?

If the price is right!

[Ray Luxury-Yacht]

Eddie, my friend has a company that builds these. They're really top notch - him and his brother have some pretty high-up footballing connections (his brother is a well-known ex England player but I won't say who ) so they've done a lot of really nice, sympathetic builds for some top-flight sports people at their country piles.

Give him a call, tell him I sent you - Andy Guppy 07811 109278

Website

[skeeterm5]

I would phone the local planners and ask, I have always found them really helpful.

S

[ecain63]

Thanks peeps.

[AdeTuono]

Just thought you'd like an update. 9 months since the issue raised it's head, my garage was approved for completion today. Thanks to DanX5 for mentioning Martin Hannam. He did a fantastic job, and I'd have no hesitation in recommending him if anyone local has any planning issues. Roll on the end of the month, when it should be complete.