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.