At Cheadle Architects, we have seen an increase in homeowners expressing interest in adding extra space to their properties by utilizing their rear garden space, house extension or home repurposing. The biggest drive for this is many people choosing to work predominantly from home and wanting a separate space from the house to allow that transition. It is not just garden offices that have seen an increase in interest – home gyms, summer houses, and annexes have increased also.
A thoughtfully designed garden building is a build that provides that much-sought segregated space and can increase your property value. However, before the build can happen, you must know of any planning permission considerations around them.
Full Planning or Permitted Development?
Traditionally, garden buildings fall under two categories within planning permissions – permitted development and full permission planning.
Permitted development rights set out national guidelines that allow for certain building works to be conducted that don’t require planning permissions, subject to limitations and conditions. The practical way to do so would be under a Certificate of Lawfulness Proposed Use application. Should you come to sell your property, it is crucial to demonstrate that permissions for your garden home office were granted lawfully.
In the event you proceed informally under permitted development and later any legislation or criteria is withdrawn or altered, you would have no date-stamped certificate to demonstrate it was compliant. Proceeding without a permitted development certificate would expose you to the risk of putting any sale on hold until things with your local council are resolved.
Criteria on Outbuildings
For buildings falling under permitted development, key considerations are the strict limits for height, footprint, and distance from boundaries. If it falls below the following dimensions, it is likely to fall under permitted development.
It must have a maximum height of 2.5m if within 2m of a boundary, with a maximum eaves height of 2.5m. A maximum height of 4m with a dual pitched & hipped roof or 3m for alternative roof types if 2m away from boundaries. There should be no verandas or balconies and raised platforms or decking must not exceed 0.3m.
No further than half the area of land around the original house would be covered by additions. You have to take into account any existing extensions, conservatories, sheds, or greenhouses that exist.
Clearer Understanding
As architects in Manchester, we understand that talk around permitted developments can leave you scratching your head, which is why our team is here to help through every step of the planning permission to project completion process.
As Cheadle Architects, we have extensive knowledge of local planning policies and a proven track record for guiding our clients through the various processes. Contact our team today for more information on garden offices.
