Do You Need Planning Permission to Build a Garden Room?
Updated: 13 September 2024
Reading Time: 2 minutes 27 seconds
When browsing garden room manufacturers' websites, you'll often come across bold claims stating, "PLANNING PERMISSION NOT REQUIRED." While it's true that garden rooms can be built under Permitted Development rules, these rules only apply in certain circumstances.
Where you live and how you intend to use your garden room will determine whether planning permission is required. This article explores examples where planning approval would be necessary.
It's important to remember that as a homeowner, it is your responsibility to check whether planning permission is required when building a garden room. While the company you choose will provide guidance, it remains your duty to ensure you comply with the regulations.
This article is part of a series that explores the rules you need to consider when building a garden room.
Where You Live Will Influence if You Require Planning Permission to Build a Garden Room
Where you live plays a significant role in whether you can build a garden room under Permitted Development rules. However, there are exceptions depending on property type and location.
Building a Garden Room if You Live in a Flat or Maisonette
If you live in a flat or maisonette, you do not have Permitted Development rights, meaning you will always need to apply for full planning permission to build a garden room.
If You Live in a Protected Area, Additional Rules Apply
For those in protected areas such as a National Park, a Site of Natural Beauty, or a World Heritage Site, additional rules apply. While it may still be possible to build under Permitted Development, you must adhere to these specific regulations. Planning specialists R L Planning have written a helpful guide to these extra rules, which we recommend you explore.
Garden Rooms Taller Than Permitted Development Allows
If you want to build a garden room that doesn't comply with Permitted Development rules—such as a 3m tall building for use as a home gym positioned within 2m of your boundaries—you will need to apply for planning permission. In such cases, not all garden room companies offer taller designs, but those that do typically have the expertise to manage the planning application as part of their service. Alternatively, you can handle the planning application yourself or seek the assistance of a specialist in garden room planning.
Using a Garden Room for Work May Require Planning Permission
Many people use a garden room as a workplace. If it's just you working at a computer, you likely won't need planning permission. However, if you're setting up a business such as a hair salon or beauty studio with regular visitors or clients, you will need to apply for planning permission, even if the building itself complies with Permitted Development rules.
Be careful not to overlook this requirement if you plan to run a business from your garden room. Over the years, we've seen several cases where, even after a retrospective planning application was made, enforcement notices were issued, forcing owners to remove their garden rooms—resulting in significant cost and inconvenience.
If you're considering running a business from your garden room, it’s a good idea to seek pre-planning advice from your Local Authority.
Don’t Be Discouraged if You Need to Apply for Planning Permission
Don’t be discouraged if you need to apply for planning permission to build your garden room; the process can be quite straightforward.
Some garden room companies manage the entire application process on your behalf as part of their service, while others will provide the necessary drawings and specifications for you to submit the application yourself.
Alternatively, you can engage planning consultants who specialise in garden room applications.
Be mindful that there are costs associated with applying for planning permission, so it’s important to factor these into your budget when planning your project.
