- Planning authority
- London Borough of Havering
- Postcodes
- RM1, RM2, RM3, RM11, RM12
- Noon sun, 21 March
- About 38°
- Shadow from a 5 m eaves line
- About 6.3 m
- Planning plan
- Local Plan
- County
- Greater London
The local picture in Havering
Homes on a garage court in Havering usually sit close to neighbouring gardens on several sides. In December the sun at midday gets no higher than about 15°, so a tall building near a boundary can leave those gardens in shade for much of the winter.
Low, carefully placed homes avoid most of that. Mews-style homes with windows facing along the court, or bungalows set back from the boundaries, often answer the overlooking and light questions the London Borough of Havering is likely to raise. We test each option against your site before anything is drawn in detail.
What happens next in Havering
Tell us where the garages or yard are in Havering and how the land is used now. From there we review the London Borough of Havering’s policies, past applications close by and the title, looking for rights of way, covenants and charges. If nothing stands in the way, we’ll arrange to meet you on site and walk the lane and the court together.
Free site appraisal
We look at the site on maps, the title plan and the planning history, then talk through who uses it now. If it looks workable we visit. There’s no cost and no obligation.
Rights and title review
We map who has rights over the court and lane, which garages are let and on what terms, and whether any covenants, charges or strips of land you don’t own could block a scheme.
Site checks and layout
We look at the access lane, the buildings, likely asbestos and contamination, drains and neighbours’ windows, then sketch what could realistically fit, from one home to a small group, or nothing at all.
Planning, then sale or build
We prepare and submit the application and the council decides. If you sell, your solicitor handles the transfer. If you build, a written quote follows design and survey, then demolition and construction.
Worth checking early
- Asbestos, contamination and bat surveys add cost and time before demolition can start.
- Neighbours whose gardens back onto the court are consulted and may object; the council decides.
- Rights of way over the court or lane can limit what you can build, and some arise from long use rather than the title.
Havering: questions to ask
Will you buy my garages in Havering with tenants in them?
Possibly. Any purchase is subject to survey, title and contract, with or without planning in place. Existing tenancies and licences must be brought to an end properly under their own terms, and when that happens forms part of the agreed deal. Get legal advice before any notice is served.
Can I build houses on my garage block in Havering?
Possibly, if the lane works for cars, bins and emergency access, neighbours’ privacy and light are protected, and rights over the site can be dealt with. Homes there need planning permission, which is the London Borough of Havering’s decision. A free appraisal shows whether the site merits going further.
What does it cost to have my Havering garage site assessed?
Nothing. Our assessment is free, with no obligation. We review the title, maps and planning history and speak to you before deciding whether a visit is worthwhile. You’re only committed after choosing a route and agreeing terms set out in writing.
Can neighbours in Havering block a garage court scheme?
Neighbours are consulted and can object, and those with a legal right of way over the court have rights the scheme must respect. Objections alone don’t decide the outcome. We map every right first and design to keep routes open where they are needed.
Other options in Havering
- Planning permission for a garden plot
- Bungalows on large plots
- Combine gardens with your neighbours
- Corner and side plots
- Sell part of your garden
- Garden plot option agreement