UK law states that you require planning permission if you want to:
- build something new
- make a major change to your building, such as building an extension
- change the use of your building
However, garden rooms do not necessarily fall into these categories, instead, they fall within the permitted development rules under class E. This means that in most cases, you will not require planning permission when you purchase an existing or bespoke garden room from English Heritage Buildings.
What Size Garden Room Do I Need Without Planning Permission?
To determine whether or not you planning permission for your garden room you will need to address the following factors:
- Your garden room is no higher than 2.5m from the bottom of the building to the top of the roof.
- Your garden room takes up less than 50% of your garden area.
- Your garden room does not act as a living or sleep space (like a Granny Annexe or sleeping cabin).
All our garden rooms are designed and installed with these parameters in mind – however, if youâre looking for a bespoke garden room that breaks any of the above rules, you may need to ask your local authority whether or not you require planning permission.
Can I Build a Garden Room Without Planning Permission?
If you are looking to install a garden room that does not conform to the permitted development guidelines, you may need to seek planning permission. To apply for this, you will need to contact your LPA through your local council. If you install your garden room without obtaining planning permission, you can be served an âenforcement noticeâ which essential demands you undo all the changes you have made to your garden. This can be an extremely costly process and one that is best avoided at all costs.
We have a full breakdown of when you will require planning permission for garden rooms to ensure your compliance.
Acquiring Planning Permission Can Take Time
In the event that your garden room does require planning permission, you may find that it can take a long time to obtain these permissions. However, when you order your garden room from us, we will be able to hold quotes for 30 days, giving you plenty of time to secure planning permission.
Other Factors to Consider
When planning to design and have your garden room installed, alongside potential planning permission, there are a few other things to consider:
Your budget – be sure to calculate your budget accordingly so that when we quote your garden room, you are able to afford it. We can put you in touch with an advisor to help you get the most out of your budget if you would prefer.
Building regulations – these are the minimum standards for design, construction and alterations to nearly every building. Their contents cover everything from the health and safety requirements of a building to convenience, energy efficiency and sustainability. The Building Regulations are regularly updated to align with any health and safety changes to ensure the occupantsâ safety and accessibility. Learn more about building regulations.
Location and surrounding area of your garden room – for most garden rooms, this will not be a concern, but if you have ordered a bespoke room that exceeds the 2.5m height or breaks the permitted development guidelines, you will need to take this up with your local authority.
What contractors are needed to complete the overall project – this is something we can help with.
Access to the site during and after construction – ensuring we have access to your property makes installation go much more smoothly. For example, if we canât access your site to install your garden room, we will have to find another form of access or consider a different approach to installation. If you are concerned our trucks wonât be able to enter your garden, please let us know beforehand so we can prepare accordingly.
Make Things Easy With Our Planning Service
To alleviate the complexity and stresses that come with planning, we offer a full planning service. Our team of Planning Consultants have a 95% success rate on securing planning permission on the first time asking and has even had success in gaining planning permission in Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas.
Purchasing Your Garden Building
We have a stunning range of existing garden rooms available or you can create your own unique design. Once you have selected your design, discussed the finer details with one of our advisors and received your quote, we can begin assembling the parts and planning a date for delivery.
Included in your quotation is a full set of detailed design drawings giving full information on floor plans, cross-sections, elevations and construction details. These are available in printed and electronic versions give you clear, quick and easy access to all the information you need to approve the design and assist your other contractors.
You can discuss your garden room design with an advisor or explore our range below.
