Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room in Hampshire, Surrey or Berkshire?

If you’re thinking about adding a bespoke garden room to your home in Hampshire, Surrey or Berkshire, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is:

“Do I need planning permission?”

The good news is that in most cases, the answer is no. Many garden rooms fall under Permitted Development Rights, meaning they can be built without applying for planning permission — as long as they meet certain guidelines.

Here’s a clear, local-friendly guide to what homeowners in the South of England need to know.

When You Don’t Need Planning Permission for a Garden Room

Most garden rooms in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire can be built under Permitted Development, as long as the structure meets the following criteria:

1. Height Limits Are Respected

• No higher than 2.5m if placed within 2 metres of a boundary

• Up to 3m for a flat roof (if more than 2m from boundary)

• Up to 4m for a dual-pitched roof (again, further than 2m from boundary)

2. The Room Is Not Used as Self-Contained Living Accommodation

These uses are usually fine and do not require planning:

• Garden office

• Gym

• Studio or hobby room

• Cinema room

• Bar / entertainment space

• Playroom

3. It Occupies Less Than 50% of Your Garden

Your garden room — plus any other outbuildings — must not take up more than half of the garden area.

4. It’s Not Built Forward of the Front of Your House

Garden rooms should be built behind the principal elevation (the front of the house).

When Planning Permission May Be Necessary

In some situations, homeowners in Hampshire, Surrey or Berkshire may need planning permission/approval for garden rooms:

1. Listed Properties

Listed buildings almost always require some form of consent for new structures.

2. Conservation Areas & Protected Zones

Certain parts of:

• Winchester

• Guildford

• Farnham

• New Forest

• Windsor & Ascot

• Henley / South Oxfordshire border

…have extra restrictions.

3. Using the Room as a Bedroom or Annexe

If you want:

• A shower room

• Sleeping accommodation

• Kitchen facilities

…then planning or building control approval becomes more likely.

4. Exceeding Height or Size Limits

Larger, taller or more complex designs may need permission — but we guide you through this.

Do Garden Rooms Need Building Regulations Approval?

For most homes in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire, garden rooms under 30m² and not used as sleeping accommodation do not need Building Regulations.

However, they are required if:

• The structure exceeds 30m²

• The building is used as habitable living space

• It is attached to your home

We design most projects to stay within the exempt category unless you request something different.

Please ensure you check with your local planning department, especially in conservation areas. We cannot take responsibility for non-compliance with regulations.