Do I need planning permission for a garden room?
Free 30-second checker – answer a few quick questions.
Question 1
Where is the property?
The rules in plain English
Most garden rooms are permitted development if they're not in front of the house, no taller than 2.5m within 2m of a boundary (otherwise 4m with a dual-pitched roof or 3m for others, with eaves up to 2.5m), cover no more than half the garden, and aren't used for sleeping.
Frequently asked questions
How big can a garden room be without planning permission?
It can't cover more than half the garden (with other buildings), and height limits depend on how close it is to a boundary.
Can I sleep in my garden room?
Not under permitted development – a bedroom or annexe usually needs planning permission.
Do I need building regulations too?
Often for larger rooms or ones with electrics – that's separate from planning. Your installer can advise.