Whether you want to build a new garage, install a garden room or fit a sauna cabin there are considerations that you should bear in mind when adding a building to your garden. Let's take a look at what you need to know.
Types of outbuilding
There are many different uses for outbuildings and the additional space in your garden could be one of the following:
- Garden room
- Garage
- Studio
- Summer house
- Barn
- Stable
- Kennel
- Workshop
- Shed
- Pool house
Really, the list is endless and there are many reasons why you may want to have an outbuilding in your garden. If you don't have the ability or permission to extend your home to accommodate the extra space or the required function isn't suitable for attaching to the house then a separate building will be necessary.
The purpose of the building will determine whether you need to have services connected. You may need electricity for a garden room, garage, studio, or workshop but not necessarily for a summerhouse, barn, kennel, stable or shed.
Depending on its intended use, plumbing may be required for a studio or garden room and electricity and plumbing will be needed for a pool house if showers are fitted.
Outbuilding planning permission
As long as the outbuilding meets certain conditions, you may not be required to obtain planning permission but can build it under Permitted Development rights. These conditions mean the outbuilding must be:
- Single storey
- Have a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres
- Have an overall height of less than 3 metres for most roof types, 4 metres for dual pitched roofs
- No more than 2.5 metres high if built within 2 metres of the boundary
- Without verandas, balconies or raised platforms
- Cover less than 50% of the area immediately surrounding your home
If you do need to apply for planning permission, this must be done before any work takes place. You'll need to fill in a planning application on the Planning Portal and submit several documents. These include a location plan, a site plan, certificate of ownership of the property and a design and access statement to show how issues about access will be addressed.
Costs for an outbuilding
The outbuilding cost will depend on a wide range of factors including the size of the outbuilding, its intended use, your location, planning permission fees and the materials used to construct it. From a shed for £400 to a brick built garage for £12,000 there is no average cost for an outbuilding as their size, function, location and need for planning permission varies so much.
When planning an outbuilding, it's a good idea to get quotes from at least three different building contractors or pre-fabricated outbuilding suppliers. That way you will get an idea of the costs that you are expected to pay as well as getting an average budget to aim for.
Limitations for outbuildings
Outbuildings will be considered permitted development as long as they meet the conditions listed above. In addition, an outbuilding must not be built on land that is forward of any wall that forms part of the principal elevation of the main house.
In Areas of Oustanding Natural Beauty, World Heritage Sites, National Parks and the Broads the area covered by an outbuilding which is more than 20 metres from the house, must be no bigger than 10 square metres.
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