Happy New Year! We hope you had a great break. As we start a new year, we know people are starting to think about what they would like to do this year. If you’re thinking about getting a Garden Lodge in 2025, we know one of your top questions might be, “Do you need planning permission for a Garden Lodge in the UK?”
The great news is that, in many cases, you won’t need planning permission for a garden lodge, but there are some important rules and considerations to remember.
Understanding when planning permission is necessary — and when it’s not — will help you avoid surprises and ensure your project runs smoothly.
Let’s break down the key factors that determine whether you need planning permission for a garden lodge.
1. General Permitted Development Rights
Under the UK’s General Permitted Development (GDPR) rights, you can typically build a garden lodge without formal planning permission if it adheres to certain restrictions. These rights are designed to make it easier for homeowners to carry out improvements without lengthy application processes. However, these rights come with several important conditions:
- Size and Height Restrictions:
Your garden lodge must be under a certain size to avoid planning permission. The maximum height for a structure located within 2 meters of your boundary is 2.5 meters. For structures that are further away, the height limit is typically 4 meters for a pitched roof and 3 meters for a flat roof. - Total Ground Coverage:
The garden lodge, combined with any other outbuildings, should not take up more than 50% of the total area of your garden. This helps ensure that your garden retains a balance of open space. - No Living Accommodation:
If the garden lodge includes sleeping accommodation or is intended as a fully independent living space (e.g., a separate dwelling), it will likely require planning permission. A garden lodge used purely as a recreational space or for a home office does not usually count as living accommodation and, therefore, is more likely to fall under permitted development rights. - Materials:
Ensure the materials used for your lodge are not too extravagant or out of character for the area. Overly commercial materials might prompt an application for permission, especially in conservation areas.
2. When Planning Permission is Likely to Be Required
In some cases, you will need planning permission to build a garden lodge. These include:
- Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas:
If your property is a listed building or it lies within a conservation area, you must apply for planning permission regardless of the size or design of your garden lodge. Local authorities have strict rules about what can and can’t be built in these sensitive areas. - Neighbouring Properties:
If your garden lodge is too close to a neighbour’s property or encroaches on a public right of way, you might need planning permission. It’s always a good idea to check with your local council if unsure. - Exceeding Permitted Development Limits:
If your garden lodge exceeds the permitted size or height limits, or if it doesn’t meet the GDPR criteria, you’ll need to apply for planning permission. This is particularly important if you plan to make alterations to the structure later, such as adding extra rooms or windows. - Changing the Use of the Building:
If your garden lodge is going to be used commercially (such as renting it out as a holiday let or operating a business), you’ll need to apply for a change of use.
3. How to Check if You Need Planning Permission
If you’re unsure whether your planned garden lodge requires planning permission, there are a few ways to find out:
- Contact Your Local Planning Authority (LPA):
Your local council’s planning department can advise on whether you need permission. Some councils also provide a Certificate of Lawfulness for proposed developments, giving you peace of mind that your plans fall within permitted development rights.
In most cases, you won’t need planning permission for a garden lodge in the UK, as long as you stick to the size, height, and usage restrictions under General Permitted Development rights. However, double-checking with your local planning authority is always a good idea to avoid any complications.
If you’re thinking of treating yourself in 2025 and would like to know if you need planning for your Garden Lodge, why not get in touch with us?
We’ll talk you through the process and give you our honest opinion.
