Do you need planning permission for a garden room?

Are you trying to find answers to the question of whether you need planning permission for a garden room? Well, you’ve come to the right place. And the great news is that, under UK guidance, in the majority of cases, homeowners are permitted to build a garden room without the need for planning permission.

So, does that mean you’re free to build any garden room without planning permission? Well, not exactly. There are still several criteria that must be satisfied for you to build a garden structure without seeking permissions. If you fail to meet all of those points, it will be necessary to apply for an agreement on the proposed project.

Moreover, the planning permission garden room guidelines only relate to outbuildings that are not used for sleeping accommodation, but we’ll cover that in more detail later.

In this blog, we will answer all of your questions surrounding garden rooms and planning permission, so that you can start your project fully informed.

What are permitted development rights and how does it apply to a garden building?

Permitted development rights are allowances set out by the UK government that allow homeowners to make certain changes or additions to their property without seeking planning permission. These rights apply to garden buildings, such as garden rooms, as long as they meet specific building regulations set by the government.

To avoid the need for planning permission for garden buildings, you will need to follow these planning rules:

• The garden room must not exceed 50% of the land around the original house.
• The garden room must not be used as a self-contained living accommodation, such as a bedroom or kitchen.
• There must be no more than one outbuilding within the property’s curtilage (the area immediately surrounding the house).
• The garden room must not have a height greater than 4 metres in any part of its structure.

With these criteria in mind, it is entirely possible to build a garden room without planning permission.

How big can I build a garden room without planning permission?

The most basic answer regarding the planning permission and building regulations of garden rooms states that the outbuilding must be a single storey construction that has eaves which are not higher than 2.5m. In reality, though, you will need to meet several other conditions. Before starting any proposed project, you’ll need to consider the following;

• Location within your plot
• Proximity to other properties
• Volume of land to be built upon
• Construction height

In addition to the height of the eaves, the garden room building as a whole should not surpass certain heights. A dual pitched roof must not be higher than 4m in height while any other style must not exceed 3m. Furthermore, any building that is within 2m of the garden boundary fences has to stand at a maximum height of 2.5m.

The garden room cannot be built further forward than the front wall of the original house. The term “original house” refers to the house in its original construction state or as it existed on July 1, 1948 (if it was constructed prior to that date) and, as we mentioned earlier, you cannot build on more than half of the overall land. Unfortunately, if you have previously had an extension, those dimensions will count towards this rule regarding the 50% rule.

Garden rooms cannot be built without prior permissions if they contain balconies or verandas of any style. 

All of the above regulations apply throughout the entire UK. When planning permissions are needed for outbuilding construction, your hopes of success may be influenced by your local authorities. As long as your building satisfies the national guidelines, however, you won’t need to worry.

Additional restrictions to consider for garden room planning permission

As well as the general guidelines that apply to all garden room buildings in all homes, there are additional issues that could come into play. The most telling features are;

• Building status
• Type of property
• Location of the home, in relation to protected surroundings
• The location of the garden in relation to the property

You can only build a garden room without planning permission when the property is a house. Maisonettes, flats, and other property types do not have the same development rights. Similarly, if you have a shared garden, this will pose problems.

If the property is a listed building or your grounds are protected, you will have to apply for permission to get your garden room constructed on the designated land. This extends to properties that are located in conservation areas, world heritage sites, national parks, and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

You will probably already be aware if you live in one of these areas, but if not it will be worth checking before organising any works for your garden room.

Extra tips for garden rooms and planning permission

If your proposed outbuilding will fail to comply with any of the above, it can leave you feeling a little disheartened, however, all is not lost. You can still construct the garden room if you gain the required permissions.

Enjoying a positive relationship with the neighbours is also a good move; it’s always wise to gain their opinions before completing the work out of politeness. On top of this, making them aware of your intentions to build a garden room & what you will be using it for could prevent unwanted friction and also help to influence changes in the design.

For example, incorporating soundproofing into your garden room will help to reduce noise & keep your neighbours happy, should you wish to build a garden music studio, games room, garden bar/pub or even a garden gym.

Meanwhile, if you will need to post an application, you must tailor the documents and files to your local authority, usually your local council. If you know how the processes work, you can significantly boost your hopes of securing the desired results in the fastest time. 

Seek expert advice and start your garden room project today!

At Garden Rooms 365, we understand that navigating through the complexities of planning permission and other building regulations can be a daunting task. That’s why our team of experts is always on hand to provide tailored advice to meet your specific needs. We’re passionate about bringing your vision to life, helping you design and build the garden room of your dreams. Whether you have questions about planning permission, design ideas, or simply want to get started on your project, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.