Planning Permission
The good news is that planning permission is rarely needed for garden rooms as they fall under permitted development rights.
At Cosy Garden Rooms, our expertly designed structures are typically compliant with these guidelines, meaning there’s no need to worry about complicated applications or delays. There are some guidelines that it helps to be aware of. If you do need planning permission, we can help.
Permitted Development Guidelines
The vast majority of garden rooms fall within these regulations:
1. Height Limits
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Single-story structures only.
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Maximum height is 4m for a pitched roof, 3m for other roof types, and 2.5m if within 2m of a boundary.
2. Location
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Your garden room must be behind or to the side of the house—not forward of the principal elevation.
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It must not be closer to a public road or footpath than your home.
3. Land Coverage
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Garden rooms can occupy up to 50% of the land around the original house, including all existing extensions and outbuildings.
4. Usage
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Permitted development allows you to use your garden room for work, hobbies, relaxation, or entertainment. However, it cannot include overnight accommodation.
When Planning Permission Maybe Required
Most houses, even in conservation areas or National Landscapes (the new name for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty -AONBs), have permitted development rights. These rights cover nearly all garden room installations, provided they meet the simple guidelines above. Only listed buildings and flats are exceptions, and even then, solutions can be tailored.
When working with Cosy Garden Rooms, you can rest assured that our designs are hand-built to fall within permitted development limits. This ensures a smooth, stress-free process and avoids unnecessary red tape.
While uncommon, planning permission may be required in the following situations:
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Property Type: Flats, maisonettes, and listed buildings require applications as they don’t fall under permitted development. For example, you may require Listed Building Consent or Scheduled Monument Consent.
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Designated Land: In National Parks, National Landscapes (AONB), or conservation areas, some additional restrictions may apply. However, if your garden room is hidden from view and meets size and height requirements, it’s typically fine. Conservation Area Consent from Historic England may be required.
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Size or Height Exceedance: If you wish to build larger or higher than permitted development allows, planning permission is required.
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Residential Use: Any structure intended for overnight accommodation must meet planning and building regulations.
Building Regulations and Garden Rooms
In most cases, your garden room won’t require building regulations either. Here’s a quick guide:
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Under 15m²: No approval needed.
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15m² to 30m²: Approval needed only if it’s within 1m of a boundary and not made of fire-safe materials.
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Over 30m²: Building regulations approval required.
Special Considerations
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Listed Buildings: Full planning permission and Listed Building Consent from Historic England are required for any structural changes.
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Conservation Areas: Additional restrictions apply to preserve the character of the area. Check with your local planning authority and check for Conservation Area Consent from Historic England.
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Designated Lands: Extra rules may apply, particularly regarding size, height, and location.
How we can help
At Cosy Garden Rooms, we design and build high-quality garden rooms that usually fall within permitted development rights, meaning no planning permission is needed. For cases where permission is required, we offer a full planning service, including:
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Design tailored to your needs.
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Preparation of planning applications and supporting documents.
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Liaison with local authorities to ensure a smooth process.
We can also provide technical drawings (not typically CAD) to support your application.
Contact us
Have questions about planning permission for your garden room?
Contact us on 0115 77 22 715 or email our planning specialist mark@cosygardenrooms.co.uk. If you're ready to create your ideal outdoor space without the hassle, a Cosy Garden Room is the perfect solution.