Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room?

Garden rooms are one of the most popular home improvements and most do not need planning permission. Under permitted development rights, a garden room is treated as an outbuilding — provided it is incidental to the house and stays within Class E limits.

• Not forward of the principal elevation of the house (usually rear or side garden)
• Single storey
• Eaves height does not exceed 2.5 metres
• If within 2 metres of a boundary, total height max 2.5 metres
• If more than 2 metres from boundaries, max 4 metres with a dual-pitched roof or 3 metres otherwise
• Does not cover more than 50% of the curtilage when combined with other outbuildings and additions
• Incidental use only — not sleeping accommodation or a self-contained living space
• No veranda, balcony or raised platform

If used as an annex for someone to live in, planning permission is almost certainly required because it becomes sleeping or living accommodation rather than an incidental outbuilding.

Listed buildings and conservation areas have restricted or removed permitted development rights. On designated land, garden rooms to the side of the house are often not permitted development.

Even without planning permission, a garden room with electrics, heating or plumbing will likely need building regulations approval. Planning and building regulations are assessed separately.

Planning rules change and can vary by location. Confirm with your local planning authority, or use our free checker for a tailored answer for your garden room.