Home›Planning

Planning Permission

Most garden rooms fall under Permitted Development and don't require planning permission. Here's everything you need to know.

✅

Most Garden Rooms Don't Need Planning Permission

Under Permitted Development (PD) rights, homeowners can add outbuildings like garden rooms without applying for planning permission, provided certain conditions are met. The vast majority of builds we complete fall comfortably within PD — we design with this in mind from the start.

Permitted Development Conditions

Not forward of the principal elevation (generally, not in the front garden)

Single storey only

Maximum height of 2.5m within 2m of a boundary

Maximum height of 4m for a dual-pitch roof, or 3m for any other roof

Does not cover more than 50% of the garden area

Not used as a dwelling (no sleeping accommodation)

When Planning Permission IS Required

The property is a listed building

The site is in a Conservation Area, AONB or National Park

The building would cover more than 50% of the garden

It's positioned forward of the principal elevation

It could be classed as self-contained living accommodation

Your PD rights have been removed by a planning condition on the property

The 2m Boundary Rule Explained

If any part of the building is within 2m of your property boundary, the maximum height is 2.5m to the eaves (and to the highest point for a flat roof). This affects the roof style but not necessarily the footprint.

We regularly design builds close to boundaries — a low-pitch or flat roof keeps everything within PD while still giving you a spacious internal height. We'll advise on your specific plot during the site visit.

Height Rules at a Glance

Within 2m of boundary Max 2.5m height

More than 2m from boundary Max 3m (flat/mono) or 4m (dual pitch)

Internal ceiling height Typically 2.1–2.4m

When Permission Is Required — We Help

If your project does need full planning consent, we work with a specialist planning consultant who handles the entire process. Their service includes:

Site, location and elevation drawings

Design & Access Statement preparation

Application completion and submission

Local authority liaison through to approval

Handling queries and amendments

Flood risk assessments and heritage statements (where required)

Permitted Development Builds We've Completed

Classic garden room within permitted development rules in Surrey

Not Sure About Your Plot?

We'll assess your garden during the free site visit and give you clear, practical advice about what's achievable under Permitted Development — and what to do if planning permission is needed.

Book a Free Site Visit Read Our FAQ