When a garden office needs planning permission
Practical guidance for homeowners across Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire.
Many garden offices can be built without a full planning application, but that does not mean every garden building is automatically allowed.
Check the property and intended use
In England, some outbuildings can fall within permitted development rights. Whether that applies depends on things such as the position of the building, its height, how much of the garden is covered and how it will be used.
The rules become more restrictive in certain situations. Listed buildings, designated land, conservation areas and homes where permitted development rights have been removed can all need closer checking.
Use matters too. A normal home office used as part of everyday domestic life is very different from creating a separate dwelling, running a business that changes the character of the property, or building accommodation intended for independent living.
Confirm before ordering
Before ordering a garden room, check the planning position for the actual property rather than relying on a supplier's general statement. Your local planning authority can confirm local restrictions, and a Lawful Development Certificate can provide formal confirmation where permitted development is being relied on.
Consider Building Regulations separately
Building Regulations are a separate issue from planning permission. Depending on the size, construction and intended use of the building, Building Regulations may also need to be considered.
Work through the decisions in order
The safest sequence is: decide what the building is for, agree its location and dimensions, check planning and building-control requirements, then brief suppliers against the same specification.
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