Many customers ask about planning permission for garden structure as it is a common concern. To help you better understand this topic, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions along with practical guidance on garden cabins planning permission. Please take a moment to read through this information to get a clearer overview of the regulations and requirements involved.
Disclaimer: The information provided below is based on our experience and should not be taken as formal legal advice. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that any necessary permissions are obtained for their garden room. Secret Garden Cabin does not require evidence of planning permission in order to proceed with work. Please also note that the information provided relates specifically to planning regulations for properties in England.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?
Determining whether you need planning permission for a garden room depends on whether your property has permitted development rights or if there are any restrictions in your area. Our team can provide guidance on this during your consultation. You can also contact your Local Planning Office for details about the specific regulations and requirements in your area. They will be able to advise you on whether planning permission is required for your garden room project.
WHY DOES A GARDEN ROOM NOT NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?
In many cases, garden rooms are classed as outbuildings and can be built under your permitted development rights. This generally means they do not require planning permission, provided they follow the permitted development guidelines. However, there are specific criteria and limitations that must be met, including restrictions on the size, height, and location of the structure within your property. It is advisable to review the permitted development guidelines or consult your local planning authority to ensure that your garden room complies with all necessary regulations.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FOR MY GARDEN CABIN?
If you need planning permission for your garden room project, we can assist you with the application process. Our team will handle all the necessary paperwork, provide the planning authority with CAD drawings, and manage communication on your behalf. This service is designed to save you time and reduce any potential hassle.
Please note: Secret Garden Cabin does not enforce planning permission rules and does not require proof of planning permission approval for a project to go ahead. We provide guidance only, and the decision to apply for planning permission is entirely yours.
For further questions or to request a quotation, please contact us.
WHEN IS PLANNING PERMISSION REQUIRED FOR A GARDEN CABIN?
To determine if you need planning permission for your garden room, it is essential to consider permitted development rights. If your circumstances do not meet the conditions outlined below, you may need to apply for planning permission:
YOUR HOME
The permitted development allowances mentioned above specifically apply to houses and not to flats, maisonettes, or other types of buildings.
However, it’s important to note that if your house is a listed building or located in a designated area, the permitted development rights may not be applicable. Designated land includes national parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas, and World Heritage Sites.
In certain areas, there may be Article 4 directions in place, which could remove your permitted development rights. To obtain accurate information regarding your specific circumstances, it is recommended to consult your local planning authority. They will be able to provide you with the necessary details and guidance regarding permitted development and any potential restrictions that may apply.
DESIGNATED LAND
In areas classified as designated land, such as national parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and World Heritage Sites, permitted development rights may not be applicable. If you are in one of these locations, the total area covered by garden rooms, which are situated more than 20 meters away from any walls of the house, should not exceed 10 square meters to comply with permitted development regulations.
Additionally, on designated land, garden rooms located to the side of the house are not considered permitted development and would require planning permission. It is important to be aware of these restrictions and consult with your local planning authority to ensure compliance with the regulations specific to your area.
TALLER GARDEN CABINS
To qualify for permitted development, garden rooms must adhere to certain criteria. They should be single-story and not exceed 3 meters in height. It’s great to know that your buildings always meet these requirements.
If you plan to construct your garden room within 2 meters of your property boundary, it should not exceed 2.5 meters in height. Fortunately, your standard building height of 2.5 meters aligns with this requirement.
It’s worth noting that your garden rooms are available with extended height options of 2.7 meters or 3 meters, which may be subject to different regulations or require planning permission depending on your specific circumstances. It is advisable to consult with your local planning authority to ensure compliance with the permitted development guidelines for your garden room project.
WHAT YOU WISH TO USE YOUR CABIN FOR
You have the freedom to use your garden cabin as you see fit. However, it’s important to note that according to regulations, the garden room should not be designed or used as separate self-contained living accommodation, as this would not fall within the scope of permitted development. If you intend to use the building for commercial purposes, planning permission will always be required.
Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that microwave antennas are not permitted under permitted development. Therefore, if you plan to install microwave antennas, you would need to obtain the necessary permissions.
To ensure compliance with the regulations and to understand any specific requirements or restrictions that may apply to your garden room, it is advisable to consult with your local planning authority. They will provide you with guidance and clarify any additional steps that need to be taken.
WHERE’S PERMITTED TO BUILD
Permitted development rights in the UK generally allow homeowners to make certain types of changes to their properties without needing to apply for planning permission. However, one of the restrictions is that outbuildings, such as garden rooms, cannot be built in front of the principal elevation of a house as it stood on 1 July 1948. This means that if your house had a front-facing elevation on that date, any new outbuildings constructed in front of it would require planning permission.
TOTAL BUILDINGS’ SIZE
When calculating the permitted development rights for outbuildings and other additions to your home and garden, the total area of land around the original house (as it stood on 1 July 1948) is taken into account. This includes any sheds, extensions, or other outbuildings that have been added to the property since that date. The combined footprint of all structures, including the original house and any subsequent additions, should not exceed 50% of the total land area. This calculation considers both the ground floor area and any upper floors or roof space that has been converted into living space. It’s important to note that this 50% limit applies to permitted development rights. If you wish to exceed this limit, you would need to apply for planning permission. Additionally, if your property is in a designated area, such as a National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, further restrictions may apply. To ensure compliance, it’s advisable to consult your local planning authority or seek professional advice when planning any outbuildings or additions to your property. They can provide specific guidance based on your location and property type.