Do I need planning permission for a garden office?
When you don’t need permission
Most garden offices fall under Class E of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, provided they meet all of the following conditions:
- The outbuilding is for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the house.
- More than half the floor area is not used as living accommodation.
- No part of the building projects more than 3 metres beyond the rear wall of the original house (for terraced or semi-detached properties).
- The total area of all outbuildings covers less than 50% of the total area of the curtilage.
- The building is not used as separate living accommodation.
When you do
If any of the conditions above are not met — for example, you want a sleeping pod, a kitchen, or a bathroom that is genuinely self-contained — you will need to apply for householder planning permission through your local planning authority.
Next steps
- Check the Planning Portal for the latest fees and forms.
- Draw a clear site plan showing the proposed building in relation to the house and boundaries.
- Submit the application; the statutory determination period is 8 weeks.
Editorial note. This article is for guidance only and does not constitute regulated advice. For project-specific questions, consult a chartered town planner.