B5.9.2 Garages

Driveways must be a minimum of 6.5 metres long in front of a garage door to allow one vehicle to park in front of the garage without projecting beyond the main building line or encroaching on the footway. The driveway dimensions must reflect requirements for the relevant number of vehicles as set out in District-Wide Cycle and Other Parking Standards (Appendix 7).

Exception: If a roller or sectional garage door which opens upwards is utilised the minimum driveway length may be reduced to 6 metres.

Where integrated garages are proposed, the dwelling must be wide enough to also accommodate a front door and at least one habitable room with a window facing the street. This ensures an active frontage and avoids excessive vehicle dominance in the street scene.

Exception: In higher-density developments (such as the Urban Area Type (50+ dph) and Highly Urban Area Type (80+ dph)), or where site constraints mean this is not possible, alternative design solutions may be acceptable, provided that they still demonstrate an active and positive streetscape.

Detached garages must be located to the side of dwellings to minimise their visual impact on the street scene.

Exception: A detached garage may be acceptable to be located to the rear of the dwelling if it can be demonstrated that it would not cause a negative impact on neighbouring homes or amenity areas.

Any new or modified garage should be constructed using materials that match or complement the main building.

Exception: If the garage is not visible from the public realm it may be acceptable to use an alternative material.