“A Little Garden Magic — and No Need to Ask Permission.”
“Not all magic needs permission. Some Nooks simply appear — quietly, legally, and right where they belong.”
Permitted Development Rules for Garden Rooms (Outbuildings)
Under Class E of the GPDO 2015, garden rooms and outbuildings (including offices, gyms, studios, etc.) are allowed without planning permission, provided they meet the following criteria:
Key Requirements (No Planning Permission Needed If All Are Met)
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Location:
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Must be within the curtilage of your house (i.e., your garden).
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Not permitted for flats or maisonettes.
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Use:
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Must be incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling — e.g. home office, gym, studio, summerhouse.
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NOT for living/sleeping accommodation (e.g., cannot be used as a bedroom or separate dwelling without permission).
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Height Limits:
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2.5m max overall height if within 2m of a boundary.
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Elsewhere:
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3m max if flat roof.
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4m max if dual-pitched roof (e.g. gable or apex).
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2.5m eaves height max in all cases.
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Footprint (Size):
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Outbuildings and extensions must not cover more than 50% of the garden (excluding the house's original footprint as it was in 1948).
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Placement:
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Cannot be forward of the principal elevation (front of the house).
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Designated Land Restrictions:
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In National Parks, AONBs, Conservation Areas, World Heritage Sites:
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No structures over 10m² if more than 20m from the house.
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No structures between the house and road.
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Listed buildings: Need planning permission for all outbuildings.
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When You Do Need Planning Permission
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If the garden room is intended for residential use (e.g. guest accommodation, Airbnb, annex).
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If any of the size, height, or location restrictions are exceeded.
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If your permitted development rights have been removed (common in new builds or conservation areas).
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If you're planning a business use that changes the primary use of the property (e.g. running a yoga studio with client visits).
