Does my Garden Room need Planning Permission?
At Green Retreats, we offer a garden room planning permission-free option for home expansion. If you’re curious about how this applies to you, read on to learn everything you need to know about your future garden room and the planning permission process.
Disclaimer: The information below is advice based on our experience and not a definitive source of legal information. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that correct permissions are obtained for their building. Green Retreats do not need evidence of the permissions to complete work. The information below is based on the planning regime for properties in England only.
Do I need planning permission for my garden room?
Garden room planning permission is generally not required!
You’re in luck! You can have a garden room installed at your property without the hassle and expense of planning permission. While some factors may change this, the Green Retreats team is always on hand to help ease this process or eliminate it altogether.
HOW TO TELL IF MY GARDEN ROOM NEEDS PLANNING PERMISSION?
Garden room planning permission depends on whether you have permitted development rights at your property or the area that you live in. Our team can help advise you on this during your free design consultation, or you can check with your Local Planning Office.
WHY DOESN’T MY GARDEN ROOM NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?
Garden rooms planning permission is generally not required as they fall within permitted development rights. Green Retreats’ Garden rooms are classed as ‘outbuildings’ and, as such, can be built on your property without permission as long as you comply with permitted development guidelines.
I NEED GARDEN ROOM PLANNING PERMISSION, WHAT DO I DO?
In the rare circumstance that you do need garden room planning permission, we’ll take care of it for you!
We provide the planning authority with all needed information, including CAD drawings. Green Retreats manages the communications on your behalf, saving you time and hassle.
Did you know?: Green Retreats do not enforce planning permission rules and do not need evidence of planning permission approval to carry out a project – we will only advise. So, if you decide not to apply for planning permission, that’s up to you.
Reasons why you may need planning permission for your garden room.
Read below for details on permitted development rights. If your situation does not fit within the conditions, then garden room planning permission may be required:
Listed or designated Homes
The permitted development allowances only apply to houses – not flats, maisonettes or other buildings.
If your house is a listed building or in a designated area, permitted development may not apply. Designated land includes national parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas, and World Heritage Sites.
In some areas, Article 4 directions may mean that your permitted development rights have been removed, but a quick chat with your local planning authority will give you that information.
DESIGNATED LAND
Permitted development may not be allowed in certain areas classed as designated land.
Designated land includes national parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites. In these locations, the total area to be covered by a garden room must be over 20 metres from any house wall and not exceed 10 square metres to fall within permitted development.
Designated land garden rooms on the side of the house are also not permitted for development.
GARDEN ROOM HEIGHTS
Garden rooms must be single-story and less than 3m in height to fall within permitted development.
If your garden room is to be built within 2 metres of your property boundary, then it should not exceed 2.5m in height – which is the standard height of all Green Retreats’ garden rooms.
Our garden rooms are 2.5m high as standard, with extended height options of 2.7m or 3m, for that little extra headspace.
YOUR GARDEN ROOM USE
How you use your garden room is up to you. However, it is important to know that officially; any building should not be a separate, self-contained living accommodation, as this will not fall within permitted development. If you are planning on using your building for commercial use, this will always require planning permission.
Microwave antennas are not always allowed under permitted development.
your garden room location
Any outbuildings, such as garden rooms, are not permitted development if they are built in front of the principal elevation of your house as it stood on 1 July 1948.
YOUR GARDEN ROOM SIZE
Outbuildings and other additions to your home and garden must not exceed 50% of the total land area around the original house (as it stood on 1 July 1948). Sheds, extensions, and all other outbuildings added to the original house must be included when calculating this 50% limit. This includes alternations that a previous owner may have made.
obtaining a Certificate of Lawful Development
If you’re unclear about the legality of adding a garden room, we offer a Certificate of Lawful Development service. For a single charge of £500, our planning team will complete an application audit on your behalf. This can be used when selling your house or if your neighbours have concerns. An LDC is chargeable. Find out more here.
We’re Here to Help
Garden rooms are our speciality. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is on call to provide you with the advice and direction you need. Helping you determine what permissions, if any, you need for your project. Get in touch now; we’re glad to help!
Need planning permission? Please leave it to us!
Green Retreats, we’ll sort out planning permission on your behalf, giving you a hassle-free process.
Alternatively, we recommend checking with your local planning authority if you’re still unsure.
