Planning for a Garden Building

Style & Size, Layout & Required Usage, Planning & Preparation

So you need a Garden Building, but also need to decide what building, where, how big, and what layout, what features, and how to do it?

Look no further – we’ve assembled this handy guide to get you on track to having your very own Garden Sanctuary.

Style & Size

The first step is choosing the type of building and the size. We offer a wide range of options, including:

  • Sheds & Summerhouses
  • Greenhouses
  • Garden Rooms & Studios
  • BBQ Cabins
  • Saunas
  • Camping, Glamping & Leisure Buildings

Your intended use and preferred style will quickly help narrow down the choices.

Once you’ve chosen the type, size is the next consideration. Putting budget aside for a moment, the available space is usually the limiting factor. A simple and effective tip is to use bamboo canes or markers to outline the proposed building on site. This allows you to walk around the space and better visualise how it will feel in reality.

Layout & Required Usage

How you plan to use your garden building will determine the features it needs. This may include:

  • Insulation for year-round use
  • Doors and window layouts
  • Internal partitions
  • Add-ons or extensions

For example, if you intend to use the building throughout the winter months, insulation is essential — and it also helps keep the space cooler in summer.

When planning the layout, it’s worth visualising everything that will go inside, such as desks, gym equipment, seating, a bar, or even a log burner. Using the same bamboo cane method can help you plan the internal layout and ensure everything fits comfortably.

Planning & Preparation

Planning Permission
Many of our garden buildings fall under Permitted Development and do not require planning permission—making the process quick and hassle-free. However, with more customers choosing unique or larger bespoke designs, we occasionally support clients through the planning process.

While we’re not able to offer formal planning advice, we’re always happy to assist by providing guidance tailored to your chosen building and circumstances. If planning permission is required, we can supply all the necessary drawings, specifications, and documentation to support your application.

In most cases, securing planning permission for a garden building is straightforward—and we’re here to help make it even easier.

Permitted Development Rules for Garden Buildings (UK)

In many cases, you can build a garden room or outbuilding without needing planning permission—thanks to Permitted Development rights. However, there are specific rules you must follow:

✅ When Planning Permission is Not Required

Your garden building can usually be installed under Permitted Development if:

  • It is single-storey with a maximum overall height of 2.5 metres (if within 2 metres of a boundary).
  • If more than 2 metres from the boundary:
    • Max eaves height of 2.5m.
    • Max overall height of 4m for a dual-pitched roof or 3m for any other roof.
  • It is not used as self-contained living accommodation.
  • It does not take up more than 50% of the total area of land around the original house.
  • It is not built forward of the principal elevation (front of the house).
  • The property is not a listed building, in a Conservation Area, AONB, or National Park (additional restrictions apply in these cases).

🚫 When You May Need Planning Permission

You may require permission if:

  • Your building exceeds the above size or location limits.
  • It includes plumbing for a toilet or shower.
  • You live in a flat, maisonette, or designated land (e.g., conservation area).
  • You intend to use the building as a separate living space or overnight accommodation.

🔧 Building Regulations

Even if planning permission isn’t needed, Building Regulations may still apply—especially if the structure:

  • Is over 30m² in floor area.
  • Includes electrical work, plumbing, or sleeping accommodation.

✅ Our Advice

We’ll help guide you through all these considerations. For most home offices, studios, and general-use garden rooms, planning permission is not required. But if you’re unsure, we’re happy to advise—or help you apply if needed.

📞 Need help with planning rules? Contact us or visit us in person to speak to one of our friendly team.