Do I need to have planning permission for a garden room?
Updated: Jul 3, 2023
If you’re reading this, I bet you’ve already found the ideal garden room, or at least you have a good mental image of how it looks & what value it adds to your home. However, before installing your room, you should check if you need planning permission or not, and it’s determined based on many criteria such as the size of the room, where & why you want to install it, and of course: where you live.
Do you need planning permission for a garden room?
The majority of garden rooms are classified as outbuildings, which means you don’t need planning permission as long as you respect a certain set of rules and regulations. For example, your home must have permitted development rights and comply with the local planning rules of the area where you live. Also, there are several conditions that don’t allow for development rights, and you should be aware of them before building your garden room:
Your house must not be located within a designated land like conservations, national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, and World Heritage Sites.
Your house must not be a listed building with a significant historical or architectural interest because it limits or even restricts permitted development rights. However, there are some exceptions where you can ask for listed building consent from the local planning authority that allows you to legally alter your property.
To avoid any inconvenience or legal issues, always check with the local planning authority before making alterations to your property.
Garden Room Planning Instructions
Although you don’t need planning permission, make sure you apply the following instructions when constructing your ideal garden room:
Your garden room’s height shouldn’t exceed 2.5m above ground level (starting from the bottom to the top of the roof)
The garden room shouldn’t be positioned in front of your home. In this case, the front of your home applies to how it was built on 1 July 1948.
It shouldn’t include raised platforms like verandas or balconies.
It mustn't occupy more than 50% of the total garden area.
It shouldn't be used as a self-contained living space or for sleeping accommodation.
It shouldn't have more than a single story, nor should it exceed 3m in terms of height. Still, you must stick to 2.5m, if the room is positioned within 2 meters of your boundary.
It shouldn't be attached to your house.
Note: The above instructions are not compliant when it comes to:
Flats & maisonettes because they have different permitted development rights from those of houses.
Listed buildings with historical and architectural interest. You need to check your local planning authority to apply for consent or planning permission if needed.
Let Us Take Care of Everything!
If you feel overwhelmed with this long list of regulations & rules (let alone the construction process), contact us and let us help you build the perfect room for your garden, and set your mind at peace. Luxury Outdoor Spaces create beautiful garden rooms that go by the book. You don't need to worry about rules; we will take care of everything to ensure you have a compliant & luxurious garden room where you can enjoy more privacy and get inspired.