Garden rooms are a popular addition to homes that provide extra space for various uses like home offices, gyms, or studios. They make great alternatives to extensions or conservatories and are also often less expensive. However, you may be wondering “Do you need planning permission for a garden room?”. Before you make a purchase, it’s important to understand the planning permission and building regulations that may apply. This post will guide you through the key considerations to ensure your garden room project is legally compliant.
Do Garden Rooms Need Planning Permission?
Whether or not you need garden room planning permission depends on several factors, including the size, height, and location of your garden building. In many cases, garden rooms fall under “Permitted Development” rights as they are considered to be outbuildings. As long as your home or local area has permitted development rights, you’re able to build without formal planning permission providing you meet certain conditions. These conditions include:
- Height restrictions – If your garden room is within 2 metres of a boundary, its maximum height cannot exceed 2.5 metres. Your garden room should also be single storey.
- Location – The garden room must be situated behind the main building line of your property and should not occupy more than 50% of the total garden area.
- Usage – You can build your garden room for daily use as an addition to the house but it cannot be used as a separate living accommodation.
If your garden room meets these conditions, planning permission is generally not required. However, if your project exceeds these criteria, you will need to apply for permission before starting construction. It’s a good idea to determine the intended use of your garden room before construction begins. Building without planning permission can lead to implications. You may be asked by the council to make an application for permission in retrospect. If denied, you could be forced to demolish the structure.
Do I Need Building Regulations for a Garden Room?
Building regulations for garden rooms are not required as you generally don’t need approval for small detached outbuildings like garden rooms or summer houses. This is provided they are under 15 square metres and don’t have sleeping accommodation. For buildings between 15 and 30 square metres, you might need approval depending on the building material and distance from the property boundary.
Garden Room Permitted Development Considerations
While permitted Development (PD) rights allow garden rooms to be built without planning permission, there are still some important considerations:
- Listed buildings and conservation areas – If your property is listed or in a conservation area, you may not have permitted development rights and different rules may apply. In these cases, planning permission may be required.
- Garden room uses – The garden rooms must be for ‘incidental uses’ and not as a separate dwelling. This means your garden outbuilding must be considered a minor addition to the main house and not intended to function as a fully independent living space. It can be used for purposes like a home office, gym, art studio, or playroom, but it should not include facilities like a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom that would enable it to be used as a standalone residence.
If you’re unsure whether your garden room qualifies under PD rights, it’s wise to check with your local planning authority.
Can Neighbours Object to a Garden Room?
If your garden room does not require planning permission, your neighbours cannot object. However, if your garden outbuilding needs planning permission, your neighbours may be notified by the local planning authority. This gives them the opportunity to raise concerns or objections. Some common reasons for neighbour objections include:
- Loss of Privacy – If the garden building overlooks a neighbour’s property or is too close to the boundary, it may raise privacy concerns.
- Impact on Light – A large or tall garden room may block sunlight to a neighbour’s garden or home.
- Noise Concerns – If the garden room is intended for noisy activities like a music studio or gym, neighbours might object due to potential disturbances.
Even if planning permission isn’t required, it’s a good idea to discuss your plans with your neighbours in advance to avoid potential disputes.
Insulated Garden Rooms from RB Windows
A garden room can add valuable space to your home, but it’s important to understand the planning permission and building regulations that apply. At RB Windows, every garden room we construct is built to last and comply with all essential building regulations. You can trust us to handle every detail from insulation to light fixtures and deliver a garden room fit for your chosen purpose.
For more information about our stylish garden rooms, contact the team today online, visit our Cannock showroom or call us on 01543 467146.
