Outbuildings have become a highly demanded, practical and affordable alternative for homeowners who want a little extra space but don’t want to go the way of a house extension or extensive property renovation.
These exterior buildings have proven brilliant uses of external garden space to allow for self-contained accommodation for additional family members wanting some privacy and space to themselves.
Is a Granny Annexe Classed as Incidental?
From a planning standpoint, a granny annexe is separate from an outbuilding, meaning it cannot be under Permitted Development Rights. You may have heard differently elsewhere, and it is because it is a common misconception.
Outbuildings considered incidental to the enjoyment of the main building – including sheds, garages, or home gyms – can reasonably be incidental and be built under Permitted Development – mainly because people won’t expect to live and sleep within them. If someone is occupying them in a living capacity – even if a family member – it will class as a residential accommodation and not incidental to the main house.
Therefore, you require planning permission from your local council if it is built from scratch. However disappointing that may seem, it is not necessarily a bad thing – Your application will be observed more closely to meet the minimum standards for habitable space.
What About Converting an Existing Building?
Now you know where you stand with building a granny annexe from scratch – how about converting an existing building into one? The answer is – yes, you can!
Granted there is still a lot of paperwork involved with a Change of Use application – that your Manchester Architects can help with – that ensures the planning department is aware that the space is designed for habitation on a semi-permanent basis. Without an application, you will be subject to an enforcement notice and fines. That also does not preclude you from building a granny annexe to use as a gym or home office space (with a small kitchen and shower) and, eventually down the line, apply with a Change of Use for that to transform into a living quarters.
Detached Garages
Turning your detached garage into a granny annexe is a little more complex, as some garages have covenants that deny them to be anything other than for parking. You will need to check your paperwork to be sure.
Attached garages often can be converted under Permitted Development rules, but detached will require the Change of Use application. Each council will mostly judge each case on its own merits.
If you are interested in a granny annexe for your property or any renovation or property development project, consult with architects in Manchester who can help you through every step of the project. Contact Cheadle Architects today to cover granny annexe design, planning and building regulation needs.
