Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room
Spacekube Blog
Planning Permission: A Comprehensive Guide
Modern garden rooms have become a popular addition for homeowners looking to maximise their outdoor space. Whether you envision it as a peaceful workspace, a hobby room, or a relaxing garden retreat, these structures offer endless possibilities. However, before you invest in a garden room, there’s an important question to address: Do you need planning permission for a garden room?
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about garden room planning permission, from the rules and exceptions to building regulations that might apply to your design.
Garden Room Planning Permission: When Is It Required?
The good news is that, in most cases, garden rooms are considered outbuildings and often don’t require planning permission. This is because many garden rooms fall under “permitted development” rights. However, it’s essential to ensure your garden room complies with specific regulations to avoid potential issues later on.
Additionally, not all properties automatically have permitted development rights. To confirm if your property qualifies, it’s a good idea to check with your local planning office. You may not have permitted development rights if:
- You live in a flat or maisonette.
- Your home is a listed building.
- Your property is in a designated area, such as a National Park, conservation area, or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Key Planning Rules for Garden Rooms
If your property does have permitted development rights, your garden room must still comply with specific planning rules to be built without planning permission. These rules are consistent across the UK, including Scotland and England where we operate. Here are the main regulations:
- Location of the Garden Room:
Your garden room must be located behind your property. If you’ve extended your home since moving in, the “front” refers to the original front. - Land Coverage:
The total combined area of all extensions, outbuildings, sheds, and the proposed garden room must not exceed 50% of the total land surrounding your house. - Building Height:
- The structure must be single storey.
- It should be no taller than 3 metres in height, or 4 metres if it has a dual-pitched roof.
- If the garden room is located within 2 metres of your boundary, the height must not exceed 2.5 metres.
- Eaves Height:
The eaves (where the roof meets the walls) should be no more than 2.5 metres above ground level. - Balconies and Verandas:
Your garden room cannot include a balcony, raised platform, or veranda. - Living Accommodation:
The structure cannot be used as self-contained living accommodation. While it can serve many purposes, such as a home office or hobby room, it cannot be designed as a permanent living space without planning permission.
Using Your Garden Room as a Home Office
If you plan to use your garden room as a home office, this will likely be classified as an incidental use under permitted development, meaning its purpose is considered a minor addition to your main property. However, if you intend to run a business from the space or use it as a client meeting area, you may need to apply for planning permission retrospectively.
To clarify whether your intended use qualifies as “incidental,” it’s advisable to consult with your local planning office for specific guidance.
Building Regulations for Garden Rooms
While many garden rooms don’t require planning permission, you’ll also need to consider building regulations. These rules are in place to ensure the safety, structural integrity, and insulation of buildings.
In most cases, garden rooms are exempt from building regulations, as long as they meet the following conditions:
- The structure is not attached to your main home.
- The garden room is not designed for sleeping.
- The floor area is less than 15 square metres.
If your garden room’s floor area is between 15 and 30 square metres, you generally won’t need building regulations approval, but there are a few key considerations:
- The structure must be at least 1 metre away from any property boundary.
- It should be constructed using non-combustible materials.
If you ever plan to use the garden room as a guest bedroom or any kind of accommodation, it must comply with full building regulations, including proper insulation, ventilation, and fire safety measures.
Conclusion
A modern garden room can be a fantastic addition to your home, offering a versatile space for relaxation, work, or hobbies. While many garden rooms don’t require planning permission, it’s crucial to check whether your property has permitted development rights and ensure your garden room complies with the necessary rules and building regulations.
At Spacekube by EKCO, our team specialises in helping homeowners design and build their ideal garden rooms. Whether you need advice on planning permission, building regulations, or design ideas, we’re always here to offer expert guidance. We take pride in making the process as seamless as possible, ensuring your garden room meets all requirements and perfectly suits your needs.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your project or any questions you may have—we’re here to help you every step of the way!
contact
Scotland’s exclusive collection of luxury glass structures
How to utilise your glass extension
Spacekube Blog
Utilising your glass extension
Got your eye on a sleek glass extension but unsure how to make the most of it? With our 20 years+ expertise, EKCO can help you unlock the full potential of your new space.
Glass extensions offer endless possibilities. Whether it’s a space for unwinding after a long day at work or planning a lively gathering with friends and family, a glass extension is the perfect setting for unforgettable moments.
- Indoor Garden: Do you enjoy gardening but seem to be blessed with the rainy Scottish weather majority of the year? Transform your glass extension into an indoor garden with vibrant plants and flowers, allowing you to you can enjoy the feeling no matter the weather. Not only will you love it, but your plant will love it too!
- Dining Area: Set up a charming dining space where you and your family can enjoy a lovely meal together. Or are you the someone who loves to host? Utilise this space to host brunches or dinners while you all bathe in the warm glow of natural sunlight.
- Cosy Reading Nook: Do you enjoy reading? A glass extension is a perfect area of the home to create a comfy corner with plush chairs and soft blankets where you can curl up with a good book and soak in the views of the changing seasons.
- Entertainment Hub: Big on watching TV, movies, or gaming? Treat yourself to a big screen and surround sound for the ultimate movie nights or game days, all while feeling connected to the outdoors.
- Art Studio: Are you an artist? If so, a glass extension is the perfect space to create an inspiring studio where you can paint or craft while surrounded by the beauty of nature.
- Home Office: Tired of feeling uninspired in a dull, enclosed workspace? It’s time to break free from those four walls and embrace a brighter, more energising environment! Working in a bright and airy space will keep you motivated and energised throughout the day, with plenty of natural light to boost your productivity.
- Home Gym: The light and spacious feel offered by a fully glazed extension works perfectly for a home gym. Look out across views of your garden or the countryside beyond while you’re pounding the treadmill and you’ll almost feel like you’re going for an outdoor run. Using your glass extension as a home gym will add a wellbeing dimension to your workout that means you’re looking after both body and mind
With EKCO’s guidance, you’ll effortlessly transform your garden space into a versatile space that suits your lifestyle and enhances the look of your home. Say goodbye to dull interiors and hello to a bright and inviting space that you’ll never want to leave!
Reach out to us today on 01506 857007 or visit us at our showroom in Uphall, West Lothian to see our Solarlux glass extensions for yourself. Let’s bring your vision to life!
contact
Scotland’s exclusive collection of luxury glass structures
Connecting Your Home to the Outdoors
Spacekube Blog
Connecting Your Home to the Outdoors
Instead of the usual brick-and-mortar extensions, homeowners are opting for light and modern glass extensions. We look at the new design trend and how KBSA member, EKCO Lifestyle, is excelling in demonstrating this luxurious home addition.
These extensions are typically made of high-quality glass panels that are reinforced with steel or aluminium frames for added strength and durability. Floor-to-ceiling windows, bi-fold doors, skylights, and orangeries can also achieve some of the benefits that glass extensions have to offer. Whether you want a bright and airy living room, a spacious dining room or a stunning kitchen, having a glass extension will create a more open and inviting living space.
Advances in glass technology offer excellent insulation properties, making it possible for larger expanses of glass and well-insulting frames to keep your new living space at a comfortable temperature all year round, without the worry of higher energy bills. Thermal heated glass and solar control glazing can be installed to achieve the temperature balance when there are variations in outdoor temperatures.
Often rear extensions can leave the centre of the house feeling dark, but with a glass extension, you can enjoy an abundance of natural light. Opening up your living space to build a greater connection to your outdoor spaces will not only leave your home feeling bigger and brighter, but uninterrupted views of the outdoors also help to improve your mood and well-being.
Further ways to transform your living space is to continue flagstones from your patio to your glass extension to create a seamless transition between the interior and exterior which works particularly well with glass-box kitchens. For properties wanting an outdoor kitchen, using similar materials to your indoor kitchen and installing the same height worktops indoors as well as outdoors make create an indoor-outdoor continuity.
EKCO Livingston have been designing and installing luxury kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, extensions and garden rooms for more than 20 years. They’ve also been successful in winning some of KBSA’s Awards including Best Kitchen Designer (under £25k), Young Designer of the Year and Bathroom Design, showcasing that they know what’s best in home designs.
Some of the glass extension work they have completed has given homeowners additional dining space as well as garden rooms, a stylish alternative to a summer house or conservatory. Some of their other projects include installing floor-to-ceiling bi-folding doors in kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms to achieve a greater connection to the outdoors.
EKCO believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, so our team of experts will work with you every step of the way to create a space you’ll love. You can rest assured that quality is evident in everything they do, to deliver a project that will give your home the wow factor.
With summer coming up, a glass extension living space would become a popular place to spend time in to soak up all the sun. But you’ll also be able to enjoy your new extension all year round, from watching the first signs of spring starting to bud to watching flowers bloom to summer. You’ll be able to watch your garden transform from shades to greens to golds in autumn and stargaze on a clear winter’s night, with the added benefit of being able to watch the stars in the warmth.
If you’re considering getting a glass extension, here are some points to discuss with your architect:
- Will I need planning permission? Check with your local planning authority before starting any work
- Talk about how your privacy could be affected
- What do you want to achieve from your new living space?
- What drainage system will need to be installed?
Find out more about our Glass Extensions, Canopies and Rooms here, or visit our sister company SpaceKube.
If you would like to visit our showroom, you can find us here. Contact EKCO on 01506 857007 and our team will help you create your dream glass structure.
