Two single garages to one double

[onomatopoeia]

I have two single width garages with a common wall between them, as one was built later. One is 10' wide and the other 8' wide. The width of the doors is 6' and 6'6" respectively and this makes getting the car in and out of one impossible without folding in the mirrors and only just about doable with the other - it has to go in backwards, else I can't open the driver's door.

So, what I'd like to do is demolish the dividing wall and put a double sized up and over door in place of the two singles. This would make both getting vehicles in and out easier and getting in and out of said vehicles easier as well.

Are there likely to be planning considerations with this or anything else I need to worry about? I can't find anything that suggests there might be and will probably contact the planning dept at the council before getting builders in (I'm not even going to attempt to install an 18' lintel myself, even if it is only holding up about three layers of bricks above it), but forewarned is forearmed and all that.

The later garage is 8' longer as well, so I'd like to extend the earlier one back to match as the space behind is only being used for a timer frame wood store as the previous owner had woodburning stoves in the garages (ripped out by me as they got in the way of the cars). Guessing I'm going to need PP for that. I also want to extend the house, but that can wait. Garage is higher priority .

[rovermorris999]

With provisos about the size of plot and proximity to the boundary you can build garages to your heart's content. On a large plot I've built a triple and a large single, all pitched roof (under 4m)and cavity walled with no permission required. I did need building control however. Google is your friend here, if you ask the council directly they'll ask you to fill in a form and charge you for the privilege of telling you whether you need it or not. The rules are out there and easy enough to understand.

[herbialfa]

Changing from 2 doors to 1 door you won't need planning unless you are in a conservation are or its Listed.

If you keep the square meterage under 30 then no need for building regs if you keep it under 4m in height!

The rear part you are talking about depends on a few criteria but does sound do able!

[Globulator]

Before doing anything I'd just check what the dividing wall is doing. Also you will need a new support over the (new) front door. It may make more sense to demolish and rebuild the whole thing.