Garden rooms are becoming an increasingly popular feature for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces. Whether it’s for use as a home office, gym, art studio, or simply a relaxing retreat, a well-designed garden room can provide a wealth of benefits.
However, one of the most important questions to ask when considering a garden room is: Do you need planning permission?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the key aspects of garden room planning permission in the UK, including size restrictions, permitted development rights, building regulations, and more.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether your garden room project will require planning consent.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room?
In many cases, you won’t need planning permission for a garden room, as long as it meets specific criteria under permitted development rights. However, there are important limits to these rights, and if your garden room doesn’t comply, you may need to apply for planning permission.
The key factors that determine whether planning permission is required include the size, location, and use of the garden room. Let’s break it down:
- Size: The maximum size of a garden room without planning permission is typically 5 metres in height if it is within 2 metres of a boundary. If the structure is further from the boundary, the height can go up to 4 metres for a pitched roof or 3 metres for a flat roof.
- Footprint: If the total area of all outbuildings (including the garden room) exceeds 50% of the total land around the house, planning permission will likely be required.
- Use: The garden room should be used for ancillary purposes to the main house—i.e., it should not be used as a separate dwelling or for business activities that might affect your neighbours or the environment.
Maximum Garden Room Size Without Planning Permission
If you want to avoid the hassle of applying for planning permission, it’s essential to stay within the size limits set by permitted development rights.
As a general rule, a garden room can be built without planning permission if:
- It is no taller than 5 metres when located within 2 metres of a boundary (such as a fence or wall).
- It does not exceed 4 metres in height with a pitched roof or 3 metres with a flat roof if situated further from the boundary.
- The total combined area of all outbuildings (including your garden room) must not exceed 50% of the land surrounding the original house.
These restrictions apply to garden rooms used for purposes such as offices, gyms, or studios. If your garden room is going to be used as a habitable space (e.g., a guest bedroom), it will almost certainly need planning permission.
Garden Room Permitted Development Rights
Under the UK’s permitted development rules, homeowners can build certain structures on their property without the need for formal planning permission. Garden rooms are typically included in these rules, but only if they meet the requirements outlined earlier.
In addition to size and height restrictions, the garden room must be located within the curtilage (boundary) of the house and not in the front garden. It must also comply with rules regarding the use of the building (e.g., not being used for business purposes unless specific conditions are met) and the distance from the property boundary.
If your garden room doesn’t meet these requirements, you will need to apply for planning permission.
Planning Permission for Garden Rooms: What You Need to Know
If your planned garden room doesn’t qualify as permitted development or exceeds the size limits, you will need to apply for planning permission. In this case, the planning authority will consider several factors before making a decision, including:
- Aesthetic impact: How the garden room will affect the visual character of the area.
- Impact on neighbours: Will the garden room overshadow neighbouring properties or impact their privacy?
- Environmental factors: Is the garden room likely to affect local ecosystems o natural beauty?
- Use of the space: If the garden room is going to be used for business purposes or as a separate living space, this will often require a change of use application as part of your planning permission.
It’s important to note that obtaining planning permission can be a lengthy process, sometimes taking up to 8 weeks, so be sure to plan well in advance.
Garden Room Building Regulations
Even if your garden room doesn’t require planning permission, you’ll still need to comply with building regulations. Building regulations are designed to ensure that the structure is safe, durable, and energy efficient. For garden rooms, these regulations cover things like:
- Structural integrity: Ensuring that the garden room is structurally sound and can withstand the weight of the materials used.
- Fire safety: The materials used in the construction should be non-combustible to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
- Electrical and plumbing installations: If your garden room is going to have electricity or water, these installations must comply with Part P (for electrical work) and other relevant building regulations.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent damp and condensation build-up inside the garden room.
Smaller garden rooms, like sheds or simple storage spaces, often don’t require building regulations approval. However, if your garden room will have electricity, plumbing, or be used as a living space (e.g., a garden office or studio), you will need to ensure it complies with building regulations. It’s often best to consult with a professional to ensure compliance.
Garden Room Height and Planning Permission
The height of your garden room plays a significant role in whether planning permission is required. As mentioned, if the garden room is located within 2 metres of a boundary, the height must be 2.5 metres or less to avoid needing planning permission. If the garden room is further from the boundary, you can build higher (up to 4 metres for a pitched roof or 3 metres for a flat roof) without planning permission.
If the height of your garden room exceeds these limits, you will need to apply for planning permission. In certain cases, even with the right height, the impact of the building on your neighbours and the surrounding environment may also influence the decision.
Garden Room Planning Permission for Offices or Studios
If you are planning to use your garden room as an office or studio, the rules are slightly different. Generally, garden offices are permitted under permitted development rights if the structure remains ancillary to the main dwelling and does not exceed the size limits for outbuildings.
However, if the garden room will be used for a business that involves a high volume of visitors or any significant commercial activity, you may need to apply for planning permission for a garden office. This ensures that any potential impact on the local area, such as parking, traffic, or noise, is considered by your local council.
Whether or not you need planning permission for a garden room depends on several factors, including size, height, location, and use. In most cases, you can build a garden room without needing formal planning consent, provided it meets the criteria set out under permitted development rules. However, if your garden room exceeds these limits or has a more complex function (such as a business office or living space), you will need to apply for planning permission.
Additionally, regardless of whether planning permission is required, you must ensure that your garden room complies with building regulations to guarantee safety, structural integrity, and energy efficiency.
If you’re considering building a garden room and need expert advice on planning, design, or regulations, get in touch with us at TA+ Studio. As architects based in South London, we can guide you through the process, helping you create a beautiful and compliant garden room that fits perfectly with your property.