With remote working now firmly part of everyday life, more people are investing in dedicated home workspaces. If you don’t have a spare room indoors, your garden can offer the perfect solution — whether for a stylish office, a home gym, or a creative studio.
But before you start sketching designs and ordering materials, there’s more to think about than décor and floorplans. Planning permission, building regulations, and the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 all have a role to play — and getting them right early will save you time, money, and stress.
Planning Permission: Do You Need It?
Some garden buildings fall under permitted development, meaning no formal planning application is needed — provided they meet certain rules, such as:
- Covering no more than half the total garden area with all outbuildings combined
- Being single-storey, with a maximum height of 2.5m if within 2m of the boundary
- Meeting specific placement and design restrictions
If your project doesn’t meet these limits, or if your property is listed or in a conservation area, you’ll need to apply for planning permission. Even if not required, securing a Lawful Development Certificate is a wise step to prove your build complies.
Building Regulations: Safety First
Planning permission and building regulations are separate matters. Your garden room must comply with regulations to ensure:
- Structural stability
- Energy efficiency (insulation standards)
- Fire safety
- Safe electrics and plumbing
In general, regulations apply to outbuildings over 30m² or those containing controlled services such as toilets or showers. Always check with your local Building Control Body before starting work.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996: Not Just for Walls
The Act applies if your garden room will:
- Be built on or up to the boundary line
- Have foundations within 3m of a neighbouring structure
- Involve excavation near a neighbour’s building or garage
If so, you must serve a Party Wall Notice before starting work. Your neighbour can consent, or dissent — in which case, a Party Wall Surveyor will prepare a legally binding Party Wall Award to set out the terms of the works and protect both parties.
Bottom Line
A garden office or gym can transform your lifestyle — but only if it’s done right. By understanding and following the rules from the start, you’ll avoid costly delays, neighbour disputes, and legal headaches.
📩 Planning a garden build? Get expert guidance before you break ground — email our friendly team today at team@simplesurvey.co.uk.