Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room?

If you are planning to build a garden room in the southeast (or anywhere else for that matter), then you might be wondering if it is necessary to obtain planning permission. Planning law is complex, so we have put together this blog post which will cover what you need to know about planning laws and permissions when building your new garden room.

Do you need planning permission for a garden room?

It all comes down to what you intend to use the garden room for. If you are building an annexe for someone to live in or an Air B&B, then yes, you will require planning permission. If you are planning to use the garden room solely for your own personal enjoyment, then it is unlikely to need planning permission.

That is, providing it fits within permitted development rights. In order to be permissible under permitted development, your garden room:-

• Must be no more than 2.5m in height. This is measured from the bottom of the building to the top of the roof.
• Must not be used for living or sleeping accommodation.
• Must not take up more than half of your garden area.

What are permitted development rights?

Under permitted development rights, it is possible to build without obtaining planning permissions in certain circumstances. This applies to building work that does not change the external appearance of an existing property and meets all requirements under The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.

This means that if your property is in an area where you can build a garden room without planning permission, then you do not need to apply for planning permission.

There are some exceptions, these include:

• Homes located in National Parks
• Homes in areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Homes in World Heritage Sites
• Homes in conservation areas
• Listed buildings

We would always recommend that you check with your local council office whether or not development rights apply before construction. This saves pain and trouble later down the line. The planning office should be able to confirm whether you need permission for a garden room, what the permission process is, and if there are any exemptions.

Generally, though, we can create a garden room that falls within permitted development rights in the majority of cases unless you want something particularly large. Intend to use it as a dwelling or live in a protected area or building.

For this reason, garden rooms are a far less intrusive and time-consuming way to get the extra space you need. We can generally build a garden room within 4-6 weeks. Without needing to apply for planning permission, you can easily get your spare room built quickly and conveniently.

So, whether you need an office, gaming room, art studio, gym, or somewhere to relax, a garden room could be the perfect way to get that extra room. Why not get in touch with us here for a quote.