Planning
In most cases you are allowed to have a garden building or structure built in your property's outside space without seeking planning permission.
However once you have decided to install a new garden building or structure it is important to make sure you comply with all the necessary permitted planning rules.
All buildings from Garden Room Studios have been specifically designed to meet the requirements of the planning permission permitted development rules and building regulation requirements.
Outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, not needing planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:
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No outbuilding on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation.
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Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof.
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Maximum height of 2.5 metres in the case of a building, enclosure or container within two metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the dwelling house.
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No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
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No more than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings.
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In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the maximum area to be covered by buildings, enclosures, containers and pools more than 20 metres from house to be limited to 10 square metres.
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On designated land buildings, enclosures, containers and pools at the side of properties will require planning permission.
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Within the curtilage of listed buildings any outbuilding will require planning permission.
The term "original house" means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.
Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.
Please Note: The permitted development allowances described here apply to houses not flats, maisonettes or other buildings.
Important
As you can see from the information above, garden buildings up to an internal floor area of 30 square metres are generally exempt from building regulations except when the structure is to be used for sleeping accommodation
Investing in garden rooms, offices, studios, and structures that don't comply with building regulations may lead to issues such as thin walls, floors, and ceilings, inadequate insulation, lack of air flow cavities, and the absence of vapour barriers or breathing membranes. These non-compliant constructions are prone to higher heating costs, increased moisture penetration, and potential damage to the structure and internal contents due to poor insulation. In the warmer months, these rooms may experience excessive sweating, while in winter, they become uninhabitable.
Choosing a garden building that meets regulatory standards is crucial to avoid such issues. Opting for a structure from our range ensures proper insulation, adequate air flow, and compliance with building regulations, providing a comfortable and durable space. The initial investment in a compliant garden building is often more cost-effective in the long run compared to purchasing a non-compliant alternative.
Government's Planning Portal Website
For further information about the rules and regulations governing planning permission and building regulations, please visit the government's planning portal website.
All the information regarding planning and building regulations is based on the system in England. It is given as guidance only and should not be relied upon as definitive legal information.
For peace of mind we recommend that customers contact their local council planning department for specific advice.