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Planning Permission for Garden Rooms

  • Posted by: Sebastian Grayson
Garden Rooms - Planning Permission for Garden Rooms

Garden Rooms have exploded in popularity in the last few years, as more and more people work from home and discover their house either isn’t large enough to accommodate a home office, or there are too many distractions. Whether you are thinking of investing in a garden office, or you would like to use a garden room as a home studio or somewhere to entertain friends in the summer, garden rooms are a great investment.

Garden rooms can add value to a property, as well as make it more desirable when the time comes to sell. In addition, adding extra space in the form of a garden room is a lot cheaper and easier than converting an attic or building an extension. If the idea of a garden office or art studio appeals, read on to learn more.

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room?

Whether you need planning permission for a garden room depends on its size, height, location, and your property type. Under permitted development rights, garden rooms are considered outbuildings for planning purposes, so they don’t need planning permission. However, they must meet certain criteria. For larger buildings or exceptions like listed buildings, you will likely need full planning permission, so it is best to check with your local planning department or consult us.

If your home is a listed building or in a conservation area, for example, then permitted development rights don’t apply. Again, check with your local planning officer to be certain.

Permitted Development Rights for Garden Rooms

Garden rooms up to 30 square metres (322 sq ft) can be built under permitted development, without the need for a full planning application. The building must be no more than 4 metres high if it has a dual-pitched roof, or 2.5 metres if built within two metres of the boundary, among other things. It must have an exterior made of appropriate materials. These allowances normally apply to detached houses, as rules are stricter for semi-detached or terraced properties.

Building Regulations for Garden Rooms

Even if you don’t need planning permission, building regulations approval is still required for certain garden rooms. Building regulations for garden rooms exist to ensure the building is structurally safe, meets insulation requirements, and has acceptable electrics, plumbing, and so on. Many elements of garden rooms, like electrics, glazing, ventilation, fire safety materials, and more are covered under building regulations.

Navigating Size and Height Restrictions

The main restrictions for garden structures are size and height allowances, as already mentioned. Without planning permission, garden buildings must not exceed 30 square metres or take up over half of the total garden area, which includes any other outbuildings you have. The rules are very strict, so always make sure you adhere to them.
Planning Permission in Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
Stricter rules apply if your property is listed or within a conservation area. In these cases, planning permission is often needed for garden structures under 30 square metres. Special planning consideration is given to preserving the historical or architectural character of listed buildings and conservation areas. Early consultation with your local planning department is advisable.

Neighbour Consultation and Garden Rooms

Whilst not always required, consulting your neighbours is recommended before installing a garden room, to maintain positive relations. Issues like privacy, overshadowing, and blocking natural light can arise with large garden buildings. Gaining the support of your neighbours early on will help things run smoother. Most planning applications require the applicant to address potential impacts on your neighbours.

Overall, permitted development rights allow garden rooms to be built without planning permission in many cases. However, due to location, size, heritage status, or other factors, it’s advisable to check with your local authority first before proceeding with a garden room project. Navigating planning regulations requires care but doesn’t have to be complicated with the right guidance.

Have a chat with us to consider your options.

If you’re ready to sit back and enjoy a Simply Easy Refurb on your home, contact us today.

Author: Sebastian Grayson