Planning Permission for a Garden Studio
So you’ve found your dream garden studio, you have Pinterest boards galore with ideas on how you want to furnish it and even have your finances sorted out to go ahead with the project.
But what happens when you realise you may need planning permission to make your garden studio dream a reality? How do you even find out about all of that?
That’s where Sanctum Garden Studios come in. After working exclusively in the Garden Room industry for over 17 years and over 15 years in construction prior to that, we are well versed in situations where planning permission for a studio may be needed.
Read on to find out more about planning permission, when it is needed, when is isn’t and how we can help with any queries with regards planning for your future garden studio.
Permitted Development
The vast majority of our installations don’t require permission and can be built under something called Permitted Development. There are however strict rules governing what is Permitted and we ensure that our Studios are built to comply with these.
If however, you are in a situation which means that planning permission is required- we have a relationship with a great Planning Consultant who can guide you through the entire process: compiling drawings, location plans, and completing the application forms on your behalf. All this can be done remotely so we can offer this service Nationwide.
Our Technical Director appraises each installation site before we confirm an order. As we work Nationwide this is often done via photographs and/ or videos. Of course, on more local installations then an actual site visit can be easily carried out. After many years in this business he has a keen eye for any issues which may arise, including planning permission. There are lots of considerations to take into account such as groundworks, electrics, existing sheds, trees, landscaping, access, etc.
One of the most important rules in Permitted Development is the overall height of the building. All of our standard studios are under 2.5m tall which is a main indicator of planning, particularly in a garden setting where most studios need to be built close to the boundary line. This is one reason why our garden studios and pods are so popular. Another is the fact that most of the build is completed within our Lancashire workshop, meaning time on-site (and disruption and mess) is minimal and typically 1-2 days depending on the size and the range of the studio. For example, our Hampton studios take one day to install whereas our contemporary studios take 2 days generally.
So in what situations is it likely a planning application will be needed?
Planning permission is required for garden rooms when permitted development rights don’t apply.
Common situations include when a garden room:
- Is over 2.5m high within 2m of a boundary
- Is located in the garden of a ground floor flat, a listed property, a national park, or Conservation Areas with Article 4 Directions which restrict permitted development rights
- Could be considered separate, self-contained living accommodation
- Takes up more than 50% of the garden
- Is built to the front of the property, or to the side in a Conservation Area
- Is located within the curtilage of a property where a covenant or council directive has removed permitted development rights.
What are the advantages of using a Planning Consultant for your garden room project?
The advantage of using a dedicated Planning Consultant is that they guide you through what can seem a daunting and onerous process. A Planning Consultant will give initial advice on whether you need planning permission, what type is needed, and will complete the application process on your behalf.
They also provide all the supporting documents required by your local planning authority and will liaise with them throughout the process until the decision has been received.
How many applications that are submitted get approved?
The national average is around 80-90%, but this includes applications for projects other than garden rooms.
Our Planning Consultant has an excellent track record in getting planning permission granted, with only one rejection so far (which was on a green field site). All others have been approved.
So don’t be thinking it’s not worth investigating, it absolutely is!
So in what situations is it likely a planning application will be needed?
Planning permission is required for garden rooms when permitted development rights don’t apply.
Common situations include when a garden room:
- Is over 2.5m high within 2m of a boundary
- Is located in the garden of a ground floor flat, a listed property, a national park, or Conservation Areas with Article 4 Directions which restrict permitted development rights
- Could be considered separate, self-contained living accommodation
- Takes up more than 50% of the garden
- Is built to the front of the property, or to the side in a Conservation Area
- Is located within the curtilage of a property where a covenant or council directive has removed permitted development rights.
Do you have any advice for people who think an application may be needed?
Your first step is to get in touch so we can advise you. If we think there may be reasons that Permitted development doesn’t apply in your case then we will often advise you to put an initial call in to your local planning department to check, and we can advise you on what you need to ask. Following the call, if it is deemed necessary then our Planning Consultant can undertake the paperwork for you for a smooth, streamlined experience.
We would never advise anybody to ‘risk it’ with Planning Permission if there is any doubt at all, and this is the reason that none of our past customers have ever had to apply for planning permission retrospectively, or indeed had enforcement notices forcing them to remove illegal buildings. Not all our competitors can say the same….
Call us now on 01257 279161 or email us on info@sanctumgardenstudios.com
