I have built a large brick garage in my garden, but now the local planners say I should have applied for planning permission and I've broken the law. They want to inspect the building, but I have refused access. What should I do next?
It would not be wise to antagonise the planners and so I recommend that you allow them to inspect your new garage. I also suggest you take advice from your solicitor as it may be that you don't need planning permission for your brick garage, depending on its size and its exact location.
Garages are considered 'permitted development', and so don't require planning permission as long as they are located less than two metres from ground level. Planning permission is required if your garage covers more than half the garden area or is over a certain maximum height.
If your property is situated in a National Park, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty etc, then garages are not considered 'permitted development', and do need planning permission. Is your property a listed building? If so your garage will certainly require planning permission as the garage will be within the 'curtilage' of the listed building.
I would advise you to seek advice from a specialist planning solicitor to be sure that your garage does not break the 'permitted development' rules and that you have no case to answer.
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