When planning a garden room, understanding the restrictions and regulations is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid issues. Here’s a concise guide to help you:

Permitted Development

Many garden rooms qualify for permitted development, meaning no planning permission is required if specific conditions are met:

Use:

The garden room must not be a separate living accommodation.

Height:

  • The maximum height is 4 meters for dual-pitched roofs.
  • For other roof types, the maximum height is 3 meters.

Land Coverage:

The room must not cover more than 50% of the total area around the original house.

These guidelines make it easier to build without seeking additional permissions, but be sure to verify that these apply to your specific situation.

Size and Location

Size and location are important factors that can affect your garden room’s compliance:

Size:

  • Maximum eaves height should be 2.5 meters if close (within 2 meters) to a property boundary.
  • Overall height should not exceed 3 meters for flat roofs or 4 meters for pitched roofs.

Location:

  • You cannot place the garden room in front of your main house façade.
  • Extra restrictions may apply if you’re in a designated area such as a conservation area.

Usage Limitations

The garden room should function only as an outbuilding. This means avoiding installations for permanent sleeping areas or kitchens, which would categorize it differently.

Building Regulations

For rooms over 15 square meters but under 30, position it at least 1 meter from any boundary unless built with non-combustible materials. This ensures safety and compliance with building standards.

Professional Advice

Consult with local planning authorities or a planning consultant to ensure that your project aligns with current regulations. This can save you both time and money in the long run.

Following these guidelines helps ensure your garden room project is legal and hassle-free. Always check local rules to ensure no detail is overlooked.

Your Next Step

Contact us today for an in-depth consultation! Our team of experts is dedicated to demystifying the planning process and guiding you through each step, ensuring your extension project is both successful and stress-free.