Garden Room Planning Permission: When Is It Required?

The good news is that, in most cases, garden rooms are considered outbuildings and often don’t require planning permission. This is because many garden rooms fall under “permitted development” rights. However, it’s essential to ensure your garden room complies with specific regulations to avoid potential issues later on.

Additionally, not all properties automatically have permitted development rights. To confirm if your property qualifies, it’s a good idea to check with your local planning office. You may not have permitted development rights if:

• You live in a flat or maisonette.
• Your home is a listed building.
• Your property is in a designated area, such as a National Park, conservation area, or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Key Planning Rules for Garden Rooms

If your property does have permitted development rights, your garden room must still comply with specific planning rules to be built without planning permission. These rules are consistent across the UK, including Scotland and England where we operate. Here are the main regulations:

1. Location of the Garden Room:
   Your garden room must be located behind your property. If you’ve extended your home since moving in, the “front” refers to the original front.
2. Land Coverage:
   The total combined area of all extensions, outbuildings, sheds, and the proposed garden room must not exceed 50% of the total land surrounding your house.
3. Building Height:
   • The structure must be single storey.
   • It should be no taller than 3 metres in height, or 4 metres if it has a dual-pitched roof.
   • If the garden room is located within 2 metres of your boundary, the height must not exceed 2.5 metres.
4. Eaves Height:
   The eaves (where the roof meets the walls) should be no more than 2.5 metres above ground level.
5. Balconies and Verandas:
   Your garden room cannot include a balcony, raised platform, or veranda.
6. Living Accommodation:
   The structure cannot be used as self-contained living accommodation. While it can serve many purposes, such as a home office or hobby room, it cannot be designed as a permanent living space without planning permission.

Using Your Garden Room as a Home Office

If you plan to use your garden room as a home office, this will likely be classified as an incidental use under permitted development, meaning its purpose is considered a minor addition to your main property. However, if you intend to run a business from the space or use it as a client meeting area, you may need to apply for planning permission retrospectively.

To clarify whether your intended use qualifies as “incidental,” it’s advisable to consult with your local planning office for specific guidance.

Building Regulations for Garden Rooms

While many garden rooms don’t require planning permission, you’ll also need to consider building regulations. These rules are in place to ensure the safety, structural integrity, and insulation of buildings.

In most cases, garden rooms are exempt from building regulations, as long as they meet the following conditions:

• The structure is not attached to your main home.
• The garden room is not designed for sleeping.
• The floor area is less than 15 square metres.

If your garden room’s floor area is between 15 and 30 square metres, you generally won’t need building regulations approval, but there are a few key considerations:

• The structure must be at least 1 metre away from any property boundary.
• It should be constructed using non-combustible materials.

If you ever plan to use the garden room as a guest bedroom or any kind of accommodation, it must comply with full building regulations, including proper insulation, ventilation, and fire safety measures.

Conclusion

A modern garden room can be a fantastic addition to your home, offering a versatile space for relaxation, work, or hobbies. While many garden rooms don’t require planning permission, it’s crucial to check whether your property has permitted development rights and ensure your garden room complies with the necessary rules and building regulations.

At Spacekube by EKCO, our team specialises in helping homeowners design and build their ideal garden rooms. Whether you need advice on planning permission, building regulations, or design ideas, we’re always here to offer expert guidance. We take pride in making the process as seamless as possible, ensuring your garden room meets all requirements and perfectly suits your needs.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your project or any questions you may have—we’re here to help you every step of the way!