Modular Garden Rooms: A Guide to Planning Permission

Garden rooms have become increasingly popular as versatile spaces that offer a wide range of possibilities, from home offices to art studios and even guest accommodations. However, when considering adding a modular garden room to your property, it’s essential to understand the planning permission requirements. This blog aims to provide you with insights into modular garden rooms and the planning permission process.

What is a Modular Garden Room?

Modular garden rooms, also known as garden offices, studios, or pods, are pre-fabricated structures designed to be installed in your garden or outdoor space. These modular units are quickly assembled on-site, making them a cost-effective and time-efficient solution for creating additional living or working space.

Permitted Development Rights:

In many cases, you can install a modular garden room under permitted development rights without the need for planning permission. Permitted development allows homeowners to make specific improvements to their properties without going through the full planning permission process.

To qualify for permitted development, your modular garden room must meet the following conditions:

• The structure must be single-story.
• It must not exceed a specific height (usually 2.5 meters or 3 meters, depending on its location).
• The garden room’s eaves height should not exceed 2.5 meters.
• The total area covered by garden rooms and other outbuildings should be no more than half of the land around your original house.
• The garden room should not include sleeping accommodation.

If your modular garden room complies with these conditions, it typically falls within permitted development rights and can be constructed without seeking planning permission.

When Planning Permission is Required:

Planning permission becomes necessary if your garden room does not meet the conditions for permitted development. You might need to apply for planning permission in the following cases:

• Your garden room exceeds the maximum height restrictions.
• The structure is situated within the curtilage of a listed building.
• The modular garden room is placed in the front garden of your property.
• The garden room is used for residential purposes, such as a granny annexe.

Applying for Planning Permission:

If planning permission is required, you can apply to your local planning authority. The process typically involves submitting detailed plans and descriptions of your project, including its design, materials, and intended use. It’s crucial to consult your local authority or a planning professional to ensure a successful application.

Seek Expert Guidance:

Given the complex nature of planning regulations, it’s advisable to seek guidance from professionals when considering a modular garden room. An architect, planning consultant, or your garden room provider with experience in dealing with planning permission can help navigate the process more smoothly.

Conclusion:

Modular garden rooms are an excellent addition to any property, offering versatile, stylish, and functional space. While many installations can be completed under permitted development rights, it’s vital to be aware of planning permission requirements to avoid any legal complications. Always consult your local planning authority or experts in the field to ensure that your garden room project adheres to the relevant regulations.

It’s important to note that many modular garden room providers, like Easy Units, offer units that are specifically designed not to exceed the maximum height restrictions set by permitted development regulations. This ensures that they can often be installed without the need for planning permission.