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Having free space within your garden opens up opportunities for plenty, from elaborate furniture and dining set-ups under the cover of a canopy, to large extensions which really add to your interior space. One option you may not have considered is that of the outbuilding – a completely separate area from your main home space, but no less practical or resourceful, especially if you adapt it to suit your particular needs.
In the generation of hybrid work, many professionals are converting outbuildings to home offices, with enough space to host those zoom calls, accommodate filing cabinets or PCs, and even brew a coffee if necessary. As experts in design and installation of garden offices, let Fitrite take you through the essentials, including the top ways to navigate around tricky issues with planning permission.
Only really becoming a common fixture in homes during the 21st Century, garden offices are standalone spaces that can benefit a wide range of people. If you’re a busy professional wanting a quiet place away from a messy home office or a business owner trying to save money on renting commercial space, a garden office could be a great solution.
These offices are becoming more popular because they can be customised to meet the user’s needs. They come in different shapes and sizes, from small cabins to large, comfortable outhouses, however it’s important to remember that there are specific requirements for them to work well, and comply with local planning authorities.
Adding a new garden office room to your home comes with many benefits, not only boosting your property value – but also enhancing overall appearance. The modern Fitrite space creates a seamless connection between your work and personal areas, allowing you to work from an altogether separate space without distraction, but still be mere steps away from the home.
Operational across the country and able to produce bespoke structures when necessary, Fitrite are a trusted market leader known for providing a reliable and flexible service. Say goodbye to using your dining table as a workspace, and instead have a steel structured garden room installed – with work able to start almost immediately should you not need planning permission.
Our team will assess your property and provide a free quote, ensuring your exact needs are accounted for.
The anxieties of getting approval from the local council can be disheartening for some, with a long and drawn out process expected should planning permission be rejected initially. Contrary to this, and perhaps surprisingly, you only need planning permission if your project is considered a ‘development’ under The Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
It’s important to check with local planning departments before starting any building projects yourself, or enlisting contractors to do so for you – even if you’re unsure about the classification. If you don’t get approval for projects that need planning permission, authorities may take apart the construction work upon completion, so follow the rules to avoid possible problems.
Dealing with planning regulations for outbuildings can be frustrating, but if your garden space meets certain criteria, and you focus on getting the basics right at an early stage, you can soon get a practical garden office installed with minimal stress.
Luckily, there are established ‘permitted development’ rules that might exempt you from the hassle of advanced planning permission in some instances.
Should you have to submit your plans to local authorities, it isn’t guaranteed that the process will be straightforward. There’s a mixed success rate when it comes to successful applications, and a 2022 study from Sirius Finance even revealed that following lengthy consultations and discussions,16% of applications are still outright rejected.
Meeting requirements is not just about staying within property boundaries, as factors like height, building use, and placement on your premises also matter. Consider creating a checklist for these criteria or refer to this article while making those decisions.
With the right approach and guidance from Fitrite, you can efficiently set up your garden office and avoid unnecessary roadblocks in the process. ensuring a smooth and speedy construction process.
Concerns are understandable, and below we’ll address some of the more common issues and complications if you’re looking to stay within permitted development territory. Account for each of these points, and you should be well on your way to success with our custom-built spaces:
When beginning on a garden construction project, it’s crucial to think about the height of the structure or building. No one wants an unattractive structure in their garden, even if it does serve a practical purpose.
To avoid waiting for permission, make sure your garden office is only one storey in height, and also doesn’t go higher than 2.5 metres from the ground. Remember, including the roof and any extras, the total height of your garden room must always stay within this limit, including things like aerials and masts.
Further to this, legislation outright states that the structure must overall reach a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres, a maximum overall height of 4 metres with a dual pitched roof, or 3 metres in any other case.
When you’re building anything on your property, there are rules about how close you can get to your neighbour’s land. The rules give you a bit of flexibility, but it’s a good idea to stick to a minimum of 1 metre away from the boundary.
This helps prevent problems later on, and minimises the likelihood of undue annoyance from your neighbours as well. It’s important to find the right balance between being close to the side of your premises and following planning rules to get the best results.
Though you probably wouldn’t want to set up a structure so large anyway, current rules for building limit construction to no more than half of the land around your house – and you must apply for permission before building.
The 50% includes any past home extensions or outbuildings added since 1948, so if there’s already an extension from previous owners in your garden, count it into your calculations. Where you place your garden room matters too – don’t build it in front of the main part of your house or on the side without getting permission first.
Usually, using a garden room for everyday living and work doesn’t need special permission, However it’s important to know that using this dedicated room or building as a complete living space on its own is not allowed. This is not allowed under regular planning rules as it is shifting the purpose of the space altogether, rendering it not much like an office space after all.
A garden office is meant to be an extra part of your home, not a replacement or miniature version of it after all. Going against the guidelines might cause issues with planning authorities., so remember, even though a garden room adds to your living and workspace, it should still be connected to your home, not completely separate.
Apart from specific workspaces at home, more people are turning to their outdoor gardens for personalised places to relax, exercise, and play with the kids. Fitrite is a top choice in the UK for building quality durable structures, including sheds, outhouses, garden offices and much more.
Our additional garden options are fantastic too – including decking, fencing and more, all matching up in terms of design, style and theme.
Using strong steel frames and environmentally friendly UPVC siding, our approved garden rooms also use energy-efficient materials, ensuring a cosy and warm space when you choose us for your installation. Our gallery is a great place to start if you require more information or visual confirmation that our projects are top of the range.
Explore the versatility of Fitrite’s uPVC composite decking, outbuildings, and fencing options for ultimate freedom of choice. Our commitment to quality and durability means our decking not only elevates your outdoor space’s appearance but also ensures long-lasting performance.
Stylish and rugged, our outbuildings are designed to withstand the test of time, featuring a robust steel structure that resists issues like rot, warping, splitting, cracking, and creeping, ensuring stability even in damp conditions. Reach out to us for personalised assistance and transform your outdoor space today.
