We recently talked about how a garden room could save you the hassle and disruption of a building site on your property.
But it’s important to ensure that you know the planning permission requirements before you consider a development.
Most modern garden rooms won’t require planning permission as long they satisfy a certain set of criteria.
This ‘pre-approval’ doesn’t apply to all types of garden buildings – but if the following conditions are stuck to, they’ll typically be fine.
- Maximum height
The top of your garden room should be no higher than 2.5metres off the ground, assuming it’s within 2 metres of your boundary.
Typically this rule should apply, although different ones may relate to outbuildings and garages, so be clear about what you need.
- Permitted use
A garden room can be used as a gym, office, bar, games room, studio, man cave – anything you feel you want to add to your home.
As long as you don’t intend to use it for living or sleeping quarters, the purpose of your garden room shouldn’t be affected by planning.
- Footprint
Legally, no more than 50 percent of the area of land around the ‘original house’ can be covered by additional buildings.
This means your new garden building (or any other existing ones) can’t take up more than 50 percent of your garden.
- Raised areas
The exterior of your garden building can’t include any features like raised platforms, balconies or verandas.
By ‘raised’ the regulations refer to any platform which exceeds 30cm in height.
- Listed buildings and designated areas
Your permitted development rights may be different to general ones if your home is a listed building or is situated in a designated area.
These include National Parks and AONBs, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.
- Flats and maisonettes
The permissions that apply to houses don’t cover maisonettes or flats unfortunately.
Before building a garden room at one of these types of property, seek further guidance from the relevant authorities or professionals.
Check your development status
If you’re unsure whether your planned development is categorised as an outbuilding, contact your local authority.
Their planning department will be able to clarify any particular requirements or regulations concerning your specific property.
Other considerations may include the number of expected occupants of a garden office, or whether goods and services will be delivered to the building.
To discuss your garden building project or to arrange a site visit, please get in touch.
