Whether you are in need of a separate home office, want to have an annex that an older relative can live in where they are close by but still have their independence, or would love to add a bar for entertaining guests at your home, a garden room or annex could be the solution.
However, the UK’s planning rules can be challenging to interpret and one question we often get asked is “Do you need planning permission to build a garden room?”
There are a few elements at play, so let’s run through the main points to help you better understand what kind of space you can build and what permission you may or may not need for a new garden room in Slough.
Are garden rooms covered by permitted development rules?
Permitted development means that a building or structure does not require planning permission from your local planning authority.
Generally, outbuildings are classed as permitted developments provided they meet certain criteria, such as not being more than 2.5m high, do not cover more than half of the land around the original property and don’t include verandahs or balconies.
There are exceptions to these rules, especially if your property is a listed building or if you live in an area like a National Park that might have its own conditions for extensions and outbuildings.
Are self-contained annexes also covered by permitted development rules?
If the annexe is its own, self-contained unit then it is not covered by permitted development rules. So, if your intention is to create a space where an elderly relative can live independently but with help close at hand, you’ll need to consider alternative options rather than relying on permitted development rules.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to seek planning permission though, as there is another law under which garden annexes can fall: The Caravan Act.
According to The Caravan Act, a building doesn’t need planning permission if it is considered to be mobile. In practical terms, this simply means that it is possible to move the building as a self-contained unit either by towing it or putting it on a trailer.
In addition, to be covered under The Caravan Act, the annexe must not be more than 20m long, 6.8m wide and 3.05m high.
But an annexe can be assembled onsite and fixed in place using bolts, clamps and other tools, which is precisely what we do with all of the annexes we offer.
We use ground screws as foundations for our garden annexes, which are much quicker to install than traditional concrete bases and which will ensure that the building is secure and safe.
How can I be sure that my garden room or annex is covered by one of these laws?
Our team works with the relevant authorities to ensure that any garden room or annex we build is compliant with the relevant legislation. Should it turn out that the garden annex or room that you are planning to install does require planning permission, we will support you to gain approval.
It is always best to work with a team of professionals who can support you with the legal aspects of adding a garden room or annex to your property, as planning laws can be complex and it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Our annexes and garden rooms are designed to comply with the relevant legislation, so if you choose one of our pre-designed units then you can be confident that it will be covered.
Should you prefer to design a bespoke garden room or annex, our team will be on hand to advise you and will flag any design choices that could put your space outside the scope of either permitted development rules or The Caravan Act.
If I’m building a garden annex, can it have its own plumbing and electricity?
A garden annex can indeed have its own water and electricity supply, as well as a waste system. When you are planning your garden annex, make sure you ask the team you’re working with about how this works in practice and ensure that it’s part of the process of building and installing your annex.
Arranging all the supply and waste connections your garden annex will need is part of the service we offer, for instance, so you can rest assured that once the installation work is finished, your annex will have a water supply, waste removal and electricity.
Introducing a garden annex or garden room to your property can bring a host of benefits and give you more space to enjoy, so it is worth taking all the proper steps to give you peace of mind that your new room or living area is legal.