Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room?

Do you want to build a garden room but are not sure if you need planning permission? Well, you’re in luck! This article will give you all the information you need to know about planning permission for garden rooms.

We’ll discuss the rules and regulations for building a garden room, including size limits, and height restrictions, and how it applies to different types of properties.

By the end, you’ll know whether or not you need planning permission for your garden room project.

Let’s get started!

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room?

No, you don’t. As long as your garden room follows the rules and doesn’t have sleeping accommodation, you can build it without planning permission. It should be single-story, not more than 2.5m tall, and have an eaves height of no more than 2.5m.

You can’t have verandas, balconies, or raised platforms.

Also, remember not to build it in front of or to the side of your house without planning permission.

Just make sure you follow these guidelines, and you’ll be good to go!

How Big Can You Build a Garden Room Without Planning Permission?

You can build a garden room without planning permission as long as you follow certain restrictions. These restrictions include:

Height limitations: The eaves height should not be higher than 2.5m. The overall height depends on the roof shape – for a dual pitch roof, the maximum height is four meters, and for other roof types, it is three meters. If the garden room is within two meters of a boundary, the overall maximum height is limited to 2.5m.
Footprint restrictions: The size of the garden room should not exceed half the land associated with the house unless you have full planning permission. If you have made any extensions to the house since 1948, those extensions will use up your permitted development allowance.
Location guidelines: The garden room must not be positioned in front of the main front wall of the original house. Additionally, you cannot have verandas, balconies, or raised decking without planning permission.

Garden room permitted development guidelines and considerations

Here are some important points to consider when thinking about a garden room.

First, make sure that the height of the garden room, including the roof, does not go beyond 2.5 meters.

Also, keep in mind that the total area of the garden room should not be more than half of the land that belongs to the house, unless you have full planning permission.

Another thing to consider is the location of the garden room, which should not be in front of the main front wall of the original house.

Lastly, remember that you will need planning permission if you want to have verandas or balconies.

Maximum height

You can build your garden room up to 4 meters in height if it has a gable roof design. This allows for more space and flexibility when constructing your garden room.

However, if you want to build a garden room without planning permission, there are certain requirements you need to meet. These requirements include following building regulations and permitted development guidelines.

For instance, the garden room should not be intended for overnight accommodation and its height should be below 2.5 meters. You are also not allowed to have verandas, balconies, or raised platforms.

To make sure you meet all the necessary requirements, it’s advisable to consult with your local planning office.

Total area

You can’t build on more than half of your land surrounding the original house without obtaining planning permission for additional buildings. This applies to all types of properties, even those in areas of exceptional natural beauty.

If you want to construct a garden room, it’s essential to consider the total area it will occupy. The garden room should not exceed half the land associated with your house unless you have obtained full planning permission.

Before you begin planning your garden room project, it is crucial to check the size of your land and ensure that your proposed garden room falls within the permitted limits.

Location

In order to comply with regulations, it is important to note that you cannot place the garden room in front of or to the side of the main house without obtaining planning permission. This is particularly significant if your property is located in a conservation area, listed building, or a world heritage site.

If garden rooms are constructed in these areas without planning permission, there can be serious consequences. For listed buildings, you must obtain full planning permission for any structural changes, including garden rooms. Moreover, in conservation areas, National Parks, areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Norfolk or Suffolk Broads, or World Heritage Sites, garden rooms to the side of the main house are not permitted without planning permission.

It is crucial to familiarize yourself with and abide by the specific restrictions and regulations for your property to avoid any legal issues.

Garden room use

Now that you understand where you can place a garden room, let’s talk about how you can use it and whether you need permission for it.

Can you live in a garden room? You can use a garden room for everyday activities like a studio or games room without needing permission. However, it’s important to remember that you can’t use it for overnight stays or as a separate living space. This means you can’t turn it into a guest house or living quarters.

Also, keep in mind that you can’t put an antenna on the outside of your garden building. By following these rules, you can enjoy your garden room without needing permission.

Verandas and balconies

Verandas and balconies are not allowed in garden rooms without permission from the local planning authority. This is because of concerns about privacy and the impact on neighbours’ views and gardens.

When building a garden room, it is important to follow the guidelines and rules set by the planning authority, especially if the property is in a beautiful natural area or if the garden room will be used for sleeping. Also, consider the distance between the garden room and the original house, as well as any extensions made since 1948.

Can you build a garden room without planning permission?

Yes, you can build a garden room without planning permission if you follow certain rules. These rules are called permitted development guidelines. By adhering to these guidelines, you can create an additional space in your garden without the hassle of going through the planning process.

Here are the main requirements:

Height: The garden room should be under 2.5m tall, including the roof.
Location: It should not be built at the front or side of your house.
Land area: The garden room must not cover more than 50% of the land surrounding your house.

How tall can a garden room be without planning permission?

If you want to build a garden room without planning permission, it must be under 2.5m tall, including the roof. This is especially important if the garden room is within 2m of your property’s boundary. If the height exceeds 2.5m, you will have to apply for planning permission.

However, if you stay within this limit, you can enjoy the benefits of having a garden room or office without the hassle of going through the planning process. Just remember that verandas and balconies are not allowed without planning permission, so make sure to exclude them from your design.

Can You build a garden room for your property?

Before building a garden room on your property, it is essential to check with your local planning office to understand the regulations.

If you own a privately owned residential house, you generally have permitted development rights to construct a garden room within specific limits. However, if you live in a flat, maisonette, or converted house, these rights may not apply to you. In such cases, you will need to obtain appropriate permissions before adding a garden room.

It’s important to note that regulations for garden rooms can vary depending on the type of property and its location, such as national parks or conservation areas.

To ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and requirements, consider consulting professionals or contacting your local council for accurate information.

Garden room planning permission for listed buildings

Before constructing a garden room for your listed building, it’s important to check with your local planning office. Listed buildings are protected by laws to preserve their historical or cultural significance, so any structural changes usually require planning permission. This means that you will likely need to obtain planning permission for your garden room.

The same applies if your property is located in conservation areas, areas of outstanding natural beauty, or has article 4 directions. However, there are some exceptions. If your property is on designated land and the garden room is located more than 20 meters from the original building and is smaller than 10m x 10m, you might be able to build it without planning permission.

To ensure that you comply with all regulations, it’s essential to consult with your local planning office.

Garden room planning rules

Now that you’ve learned about the planning permission requirements for garden rooms in listed buildings, let’s move on to the general planning rules for garden rooms. These rules apply to garden rooms in all types of properties, not just listed buildings.

Here are the main planning rules you need to consider:

Location: Your garden room should not be positioned in front of your home. If you’ve extended your home, the front refers to how it stood on 1 July 1948.
Total Area: The combined area of all extensions, sheds, outbuildings, and your garden room should not exceed 50% of the total land area around your house as it was on 1 July 1948.
Height and Design: Your garden room should be one storey and no more than 3 meters in height (4 meters if it has a dual-pitched roof). If it is within 2 meters of your property boundary, the maximum height is 2.5 meters. Additionally, it should not have a balcony, veranda, or raised platform.

Planning permission for garden offices

If you want to use your garden office for running a business, you might need to get planning permission. Garden rooms usually don’t need planning permission if they follow the building rules and guidelines for permitted development.

However, using the space for professional purposes can affect the neighbourhood. Your local council might ask you to apply for planning permission later on if you regularly use the garden office for client meetings or appointments. If planning permission isn’t given, you might have to take down the building.

To make sure you’re following the rules and avoid any problems, it’s best to check with your local planning office to see if you need planning permission for your intended use of the garden office.

Garden room with bathroom

If you want to have a bathroom in your garden room, there are a few things you need to consider. First, check with your local council to see if you need planning permission. This is especially important if you plan on using the bathroom for showering or cooking.

Installing a bathroom will require some plumbing work. You’ll need to connect a water supply to your house. The wastewater pipe may need to be connected to an existing drain or you might need to use a pump to move the waste to an outside drain.

If you want hot water in your garden room, you can install a small hot water heater. But if you want a toilet, you’ll need a macerator and a connection to a soil pipe for waste disposal.

To make sure you follow all the regulations and requirements, it’s a good idea to seek professional advice or contact your local council. They can give you more information and clarify any questions you may have.

Can You build a garden room in a Conservation Area?

Before constructing a garden room in a Conservation Area, it is crucial to check with your local council to see if it is allowed. In certain designated areas like national parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and World Heritage Sites, there are often stricter regulations in place.

For instance, garden rooms larger than 10 square meters, situated more than 20 meters away from any house walls, may require planning permission. Additionally, constructing garden rooms at the side of the house usually necessitates planning permission.

Consulting with your local council is essential to fully understand the specific requirements and restrictions that apply to building a garden room in a Conservation Area. They will provide accurate guidance and ensure compliance with the regulations in your area.

Do I need planning permission to use my garden room as an extra bedroom?

Yes, using your garden room as an extra bedroom might require you to get planning permission. The rules for permitted development state that garden rooms should not be used for sleeping. They are intended to be an extension of the main house, not a separate living area.

This means you can’t use your garden room as a separate place for a relative to live or as a holiday rental without getting planning permission. If you plan to use your garden room for business purposes, you’ll also need to apply for planning permission.

It’s important to know and follow these rules, so it’s a good idea to check with your local planning office for guidance.

How do I apply for planning permission for a garden room?

If you want to get planning permission for a garden room, you need to follow these steps:

Fill out the planning application form: This form will ask for information about your garden room, like its size, materials, and purpose.
Provide drawings and plans: You will need to give detailed drawings and plans of your garden room, showing how it will be laid out, designed, and where it will be located on your property.
Include a site location plan: This plan should show where your garden room will be on your property, as well as any nearby buildings or structures.

Wrap-Up: Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room!!

In summary, before you start building a garden room, it’s important to check the permitted development guidelines to see if you need planning permission.

Usually, garden rooms don’t need planning permission as long as they follow certain rules. For example, they shouldn’t have sleeping areas and must meet size and location restrictions.

However, if you live in a flat, a listed building, or a conservation area, you might need full planning permission.

It’s a good idea to talk to your local planning offices or professionals for more information and guidance to make sure you’re following the rules.