Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room?

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room?

Find out if you will need planning permission

In the majority of cases, if the building is under 2.5m high and 30m2, a garden building will not require building regulations or planning permission as long as the structure is 1m from your boundary, since these are regarded as a “Permitted Development“. If you want your garden building to be larger or you reside in an AONB/National Park, then you may require planning permission. If you reside in a Listed Building, then you will need planning permission. You can find out more information on this here.

Consider access

It would help if you considered how the office/garden building is going to be delivered. Do you have adequate access? If, for example, your house is terraced, do you have access from the rear of your garden? If you don’t, you need to find a supplier that will be able to supply your structure in parts so that they can be walked through the side gate or your house or a supplier with a crane.

Product quality

Since home garden buildings and offices have become increasingly popular, so have the supplier numbers that provide these building types. For this reason, take the time to check online customer reviews and also visit showrooms to get an idea of the workmanship and quality of their product range. If you find a reputable supplier, they will usually allow you to talk to even visit one of their existing customers to find out first-hand about their products and services.

Below are some of the questions you should be asking:

  • Ask if the building can be used throughout the year?
  • Do they provide complete install and build packages?
  • What is the building constructed from?
  • Does the building require insulation?
  • Will the structure require regular maintenance?
  • Is the product backed by a warranty?

Think about where you would like to install it

Think about where to erect the building and the type of view you want. For example, do you have an awkward corner or nook that can be utilised better in your garden? Would you like your garden office to face west to enjoy those beautiful sunsets or east to catch the sun in the morning?

Think about what you actually need it for

A Garden Room is a fantastic candidate to accommodate an office at home when planned correctly. Keep in mind that the building will require a stable internet connection, a good source of lighting, and plug points. Investing in the right garden structure can really change how you work or live. It may even allow you to ditch your daily commute while working from the back part of your garden.

You will soon discover that there are garden rooms that match up to every budget. But first, do your own research and be savvy to ensure you are choosing a model or make that matches up to what you need, rather than just a glorified shed.

Welcome to Vivre Le Rêve, an online lifestyle magazine for all those who are or who want to be living the dream! I’m Rose, the lifestyle editor here at Vivre Le Rêve.