Planning Permission

Adding a garden room to your outdoor space is an exciting way to expand your home without the hassle of a traditional extension. 

But one of the most common questions we get at Leisure Rooms is:
“Do I need planning permission for my garden room?”

The good news is – in most cases, no, you don’t! However, there are a few rules and exceptions to be aware of before you start building.

A garden room is a versatile, standalone building that sits within your garden. Whether you’re creating a home office, gym, art studio or guest room, it’s a fantastic way to add extra space that feels separate from the main house.

In the UK, most garden rooms fall under Permitted Development Rights, meaning you don’t need planning permission as long as your garden room meets certain criteria. Here's a quick checklist:

• The building is single-storey.
   
• The maximum height is:
   
  • 2.5m if within 2m of a boundary.
     
  • 3m with a flat roof, or 4m with a pitched roof if more than 2m from a boundary.
     
• It does not take up more than 50% of the total area of your garden (excluding the house).
   
• It is not used as a permanent living space (i.e., not a bedroom or separate dwelling).
   
• It is not built in front of your house (i.e., not in the front garden).
   
• Your property is not listed and not in a designated area (e.g. conservation area, National Park, AONB).

• Some new developments have covenants attached that means you may need to get permission from the developer before proceeding, in addition permitted development rights may also be limited so always check beforehand.
   

You may need to apply for planning permission if:

• You want to use the garden room as self-contained accommodation.
   
• Your design exceeds the height or size limits under Permitted Development.
   
• Your property is in a conservation area or is listed.
   
• The garden room is being built on agricultural land or green belt.
   

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check with your local planning authority before starting your project.

Even if planning permission isn’t required, your garden room may still need to comply with Building Regulations, especially if:

• It’s over 15 square metres and used regularly.
• It includes electrics or plumbing.
• It’s intended for sleeping or overnight use.
   

At Leisure Rooms, we’ll walk you through all the requirements and handle approvals if needed.

We understand that planning rules and building control  can be confusing, but don’t worry — we’ve got it covered. When you work with Leisure Rooms, we’ll:

• Help assess whether your garden room needs planning permission
   
• Design within permitted development limits (if you want to avoid permission)
   
• Liaise with a local  agent  if an application is required
   
• Ensure your garden room complies with relevant building regulations
   

Most of our customers can go ahead with their dream garden room without needing planning permission, and we make the whole process stress-free from start to finish. Whether you're building a cosy retreat, a productive workspace, or a hobby haven — we're here to help every step of the way.