One question people ask on a regular basis is whether planning permission is required for a garden room. The answer is not always a straightforward yes or no. If you are considering building a garden room on your property without getting planning permission there are various guidelines that you need to follow. In essence, all external structures must comply with permitted development regulations. If you are looking to construct a garden room that enhances your outside space but also falls within the confines of permitted development the team here at GSR have you covered.
When you are looking to build a garden room you need to consider both the size and location of any development. The purpose of this blog post is to try and provide you with more in depth information about the rules surrounding permitted development. This will hopefully leave you better informed about what you can and can’t do before starting any build.
Continue reading to explore more about the regulations and considerations related to planning permission.
Is Planning Permission needed for a Garden Room
Typically, permission is not necessary for a garden room or structure, provided it complies with building regulations and permitted development criteria. To summarise, these criteria specify that the structure should not be intended for overnight use and must be below 2.5 metres in height to qualify for exemption from planning permission.
Permitted Development Guidelines and other Things to be Considered When Building a Garden room
Several key considerations come into play when constructing a garden room without the need for planning permission. These include:
Maximum Height:
Garden rooms need to be single-story and the height of the eaves must not be more than 2.5 metres from ground level. For gable designs, you can build up to 4 metres inclusive of the roof, while for other designs, the limit is 3 metres. However, if your construction is within 2 metres of the boundary, the overall height, including the roof, is capped at 2.5 metres without requiring planning permission.
Total Area:
Guidelines stipulate that you cannot build on more than 50% of the land surrounding the original house without obtaining outbuilding planning permission. The term ‘original house’ encompasses any house extensions or outbuildings constructed on the property since 1948, even if done by previous owners.
Location:
Building your garden room in front of the principal elevation of the house ( what is considered to be the front of the house) or to the side without planning permission is not permitted. Moreover, it should not be situated closer to the public road or footpath than the property itself.
The Use of Your Garden Room:
While you can use a garden room for daily living without the need for planning permission, it cannot be utilised for overnight stay or as self-contained living accommodation. Additionally, the installation of an exterior antenna on your garden building is not allowed.
Balconies and Verandas
The guidelines specify that constructing verandas, balconies, or raised platforms for garden rooms is prohibited. If raised decking is incorporated, it is restricted to a height of 3cm. This restriction primarily aims to safeguard privacy, as a raised platform could potentially intrude upon neighbours’ spaces or obstruct views from adjacent gardens.
Some Of The Reasons Why You May Need Planning Permission – A Quick Check
Here are some of the most prevalent reasons why you might find it necessary to seek planning permission:
Type of Residence : Unfortunately if you live in a flat apartment or maisonette you will not have the same rights around permitted development as houses which means you will need planning permission.
Designated Land Areas: Living in an area designated as special, such as outstanding natural beauty zones, national parks, the Broads, or conservation areas, may require planning permission. While regulations are generally more flexible in conservation areas, verification with your local council is advisable. Typically, if the structure is not visible from the road and complies with permitted development rules, it may be acceptable.
Forward Building: Planning permission may be needed if you plan to construct in front of the principal elevation of the house, usually identified as the elevation containing the front door.
Height Regulations: Planning permission is required if your intended building exceeds the regulated development heights:
- 2.5m within 2m of any boundary (flat roof)
- 3m if more than 2m from any boundary (flat roof)
- 4m if more than 2m from any boundary (pitched roof)
Listed Building Status: If your residence is a listed building, planning permission will be necessary for any construction.
Total Area Occupied: Planning is will be required if your planned building causes the total land area occupied by structures to surpass half of the available land.
Residential Use: If the new building is intended for residential occupancy, planning permission is a requisite.
Special considerations regarding planning for garden rooms involve additional factors influenced by your property’s location. Here are specific considerations:
House Type:
It is worth noting that the planning regulations outlined apply exclusively to UK houses. They do not extend to flats, maisonettes, or converted houses. These other property types lack permitted development rights and as such are covered by different regulations.
Listed Building Status:
A listed building is one recognised as ‘nationally important’ by Historic England or the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. If your residence falls under this category, full planning permission is required for any structural changes. Additionally, if the planned structure is attached to your main building, listed building consent is required.
Designated Land:
Designated land encompasses National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, World Heritage Sites, or conservation areas. Building a garden room on such land involves additional planning permission requirements beyond those previously mentioned.
For National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and World Heritage Sites, the rules for constructing a garden room are as follows:
- No planning permission is needed if the garden room is over 20 metres from the main building and smaller than 10m x 10m.
- Planning permission is required for a garden room exceeding 10m x 10m.
- For all designated lands, including conservation areas: Constructing a garden room to the side of your property necessitates planning permission.
Hopefully the information contained in this article has given you a clearer understanding around the rules pertaining to permitted development. However, if you are still unsure the team here at GSR will be only to happy to discuss your project with you.