Do I need planning permission for a garden room?

If you’re looking to add a garden room or log cabin to your property, the good news is, that you’re unlikely to need planning permission!

In most circumstances, garden rooms are classed as outbuildings and, therefore don’t require pre-approval, however, there are a few instances where this doesn’t apply.

Limiting Factors

There are a few rules that must be met in order for a garden room installation to not require planning permission:

1. The garden room must be no higher than 2.5m from the bottom of the building to the top of the roof
2. The garden room must take up less than 50% of your garden space
3. The garden room is not self-contained living accommodation to be used for living or sleeping
4. It is single-storey and doesn’t include a balcony, veranda or raised platform

In short, the specific size of your garden room and its intended use can affect whether you’ll need planning permission or not. We always recommend speaking to local regulators or the planning office and seeking assistance if you’re unsure whether your garden room will comply or not.

When Else Might I Need Permission?

You may also need planning permission if:

1. Your home is a listed building
2. Your home is in a designated area such as a National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

You should also ensure that you have permitted development rights at your home or the area you live in – for example, you won’t have these if you live in a flat or maisonette.

It's a good idea to consider whether your garden room might cause any harm or disruption to your community too – chances are if the answer is yes, you probably should consider running your plans past the local planning office.

If you’re clear on what your garden room is going to be used for, you can be clear about which regulations you must adhere to before your build or installation.

For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team.