Does a Garden Building Require Building Regulations?

The short answer is both yes and no! Planning regulations place restrictions on the construction of garden houses in the UK.

If you're considering purchasing a garden building for your outdoor space, you might be unsure whether you require planning approval. Your garden will undoubtedly benefit from the installation of a luxury garden building.

Although outbuildings are considered "permitted development," which allows some types of modifications to be built without asking for planning permission, garden homes in the UK may need planning permission. However, outbuildings usually do not.

Outbuilding examples are sheds, playhouses, greenhouses, summer homes, garages, luxury garden buildings, and outside workspaces like studios. Even though many of the constructions do not require planning approval, you should still be aware of them. Our simple guide covers all you need to know about getting planning approval for an outdoor structure.

Height

The most important consideration when constructing an outbuilding for your garden is height. The majority of garden buildings UK do not require planning approval. However, it is necessary if they reach a certain height.

The maximum height is 4 metres for dual-pitched roofs and 3 metres for all other roofs. The structure must only have one story and eaves no taller than 2.5 metres. A building can only be a maximum of 2.5 metres tall if it is 2 metres or less from the edge of a home.

The outbuilding also cannot be elevated, have any balconies or verandas, or have a platform that is higher than 0.3 metres.

Placement

Homeowners must also consider positioning in addition to height. The "original home" refers to how it was originally built or how it stood on July 1, 1948. No more than half of the land surrounding the "original house" should be covered by extensions or other constructions.

Before buying an outbuilding, consider how much space previous additions have taken up because conservatories, extensions, and outbuildings are all considered additions.

In terms of placement, an outbuilding over 2.5 metres tall must be at least 2 metres away from any boundary. Suppose it is less than 2.5 metres tall. In that case, it may be as close to the boundary as is reasonably possible without becoming a part of the border.

You must take extra care if you want to develop an outbuilding close to a listed structure or on a designated piece of land. A listed building's site border and any outbuilding built on designated land require planning permission before construction begins.

Use

While most garden building uses, including storage, gardening, and work, are acceptable, there are a few rules to follow while figuring out how to use your outbuilding.

It must still be used primarily as a private dwelling with minimal odours and noise (especially during unreasonable hours). In general, it shouldn't contain anything out of the ordinary for a home.

Renovation of outbuildings for use as guesthouses for children or relatives is customary to practise, albeit it requires planning permission and may now be subject to fees like council tax.

Building Control

Building requirements often do not apply if you wish to erect a small, detached building in your garden, such as a summerhouse or garden shed, as long as its floor size is less than 15 square metres and it does not include any sleeping spaces.

You won't typically need to apply for building regulations approval if the building's floor area is between 15 square metres and 30 square metres. This is provided that it does not contain any sleeping accommodations, is at least one metre from any boundaries, or is primarily made of non-combustible materials.

Additions

Following the correct building codes when establishing the structure is crucial, especially regarding electrical safety. To ensure the safety of all electrical systems, whether, in your home or garden, a qualified electrician must certify each one.

The structure size typically determines whether a building is in accordance with construction laws, with any garden building greater than 30 square metres necessitating full compliance with all applicable standards.

Disclaimer

This guide is not a complete source of legal information; it is merely an introduction. This advice applies to the planning system in England, and Scotland and Wales may have different policies. Contact your local planning authorities if you have any questions.

We hope this guide has helped with your questions about planning permission for garden rooms. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact one of our knowledgeable staff at Julian Christian.