{"id":1727,"date":"2022-08-15T12:32:27","date_gmt":"2022-08-15T12:32:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tre3dom.com\/?p=1727"},"modified":"2022-09-27T12:58:18","modified_gmt":"2022-09-27T12:58:18","slug":"do-you-need-planning-permission-for-garden-rooms-buildings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tre3dom.com\/do-you-need-planning-permission-for-garden-rooms-buildings\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need Planning Permission for Garden Rooms\/Buildings?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Envisioning your dream garden room is exciting, but planning permission has the potential to scupper your plans. Luckily, you may be able to create a structure without applying at all! Even if your plans do make approval necessary, the process isn\u2019t nearly as complicated as people make out.<\/p>\n

At Tre3dom<\/a>, we\u2019ve helped homeowners all over the UK kickstart their garden room projects with expert advice on everything from financing options to planning. Whether you want a luxury garden pod<\/a> or a stunning, contemporary treehouse<\/a>, we can help you bring your project to completion.<\/p>\n

In this blog, we provide the ultimate guide to planning permission for garden rooms.<\/p>\n

Can I Build a Garden Room Without Planning Permission?<\/h2>\n

Good news for homeowners with big dreams for their outside space: garden rooms typically fall within your permitted development rights. That means, you can probably build one without planning permission as long as it can be classified as an outbuilding. Of course, local authorities differ in their attitudes, and it\u2019s always worth checking in if you\u2019re not sure. If it\u2019s later found that you are in breach of planning laws, you may be told to apply for permission retrospectively, and potentially have to take your beautiful new garden room down.<\/p>\n

Top Tips for a Successful Treehouse Planning Application<\/a><\/p>\n

Factors Affecting Garden Room Planning Permission<\/h2>\n

Footprint<\/h3>\n

You can\u2019t build on more than half the land associated with the original house without full planning permission. The original house means the house as it stood from 1st<\/sup> July 1948. Any extensions or outbuildings created since then \u2013 even by previous owners \u2013 will eat into this 50% allowance.<\/p>\n

Location<\/h3>\n

If you want to build your garden room forwards of the main front wall (the wall with the front door), it\u2019s likely you\u2019ll need planning permission. A garden room in your back garden, however, should be fine as long as it stays within the other parameters detailed in this section.<\/p>\n

Land<\/h3>\n

A house built on designated land faces further restrictions when it comes to planning permission. If your property falls within a conservation area, an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), the Norfolk or Suffolk Broads, or a national park, full permission will need to be obtained. This is also likely to be the case for any garden room that will built in the curtilage of a listed building.<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

To be classed as an outbuilding under permitted development, your garden room must be \u2018incidental\u2019 to the main building. That means it can\u2019t contain sleeping accommodation and it must be single storey. If you intend to use the garden room as an office, it must be a personal office only and not significantly alter the volume of visitors coming to your home.<\/p>\n

Height<\/h3>\n

The height of your garden room must fall within certain limits to count as permitted development. If the structure is more than 2 metres from a boundary, it should be no higher than 4 metres with a dual pitched roof, or 3 metres with any other roof. If it\u2019s within 2 metres of a boundary, this maximum height falls to 2.5 metres.<\/p>\n

Verandas & Balconies<\/h3>\n

For projects that include any kind of raised platform, planning permission will need to be obtained. This includes verandas, balconies, and any raised decking over 30cm high. The reason for this is any raised platforms may interfere with the view or privacy of your neighbours.<\/p>\n

Garden Room Planning Permission FAQs<\/h2>\n

How Big Can a Garden Room Be Without Planning Permission?<\/h3>\n

Garden rooms are usually on the small side \u2013 but some people have bigger ambitions! Projects that exceed a certain size, however, may need to apply for planning permission. To count as an outbuilding under your permitted development rights, the total area can\u2019t exceed more than 50% of total area around the house. It will also have to fall within the height restrictions detailed above, and have a maximum eaves height of 2.5. If you don\u2019t want to seek building regulations approval, it\u2019s also worth keeping the garden room under 15 square metres.<\/p>\n

Our garden pods don\u2019t require planning permission! Explore them here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How Close Can a Garden Room Be to the Boundary?<\/h3>\n

Building regulations state that you shouldn\u2019t build within 1 metre of a boundary without adequately treating the structure so that it is suitably non-combustible. The proximity to the boundary will also have an impact on the size of your garden room. If you build more than 2 metres away from a boundary, your garden room can be 4 metres tall with a dual pitched roof without the need for planning. By contrast, any structures within 2 metres of a boundary cannot exceed 2.5 metres overall.<\/p>\n

Can I Build a Bedroom in My Garden?<\/h3>\n

Garden rooms shouldn\u2019t really be slept in, but the odd night or two isn\u2019t going to be a problem! However, an outbuilding constructed under permitted development rights can\u2019t be used as self-contained living accommodation. So, if you\u2019re looking to create an annex for an older relative or independently-minded teenager, full permission will probably be needed.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll have to get building regulations approval if you want to use it as a residential part of the house \u2013 even if it\u2019s not self-contained. The reason for this is that outbuildings don\u2019t generally have to meet the same safety standards as our homes. If you or a member of your household intends to regularly sleep in the garden room, it will need to have the appropriate measures in place.<\/p>\n

What Can I Build in My Garden Without Planning Permission?<\/h3>\n

The question of what you can build in your garden without permission is effectively what constitutes permitted development. Class E provides rules for the construction of buildings within the curtilage of houses without planning consent. Householders have permitted development rights if:<\/p>\n