Planning Permissions for Garden Rooms in London - A Practical Guide
- marketing25202
- Oct 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 20
Thinking of adding a garden studio to your London home? One of the most common questions we get is: “Do I need planning permission?”
In most cases, the answer is no, but with some exceptions. Here’s what you need to know and how we can help.
What Is Planning Permission and Do I Need It?
Planning permission is approval from your local council to build or make major changes to your property. It ensures your project fits local guidelines and doesn’t affect neighbours or the surrounding area.
If you live in a house, most garden rooms fall under Permitted Development Rights — you can build without applying for planning permission, as long as it meets ALL of the following conditions:
Purpose is ancillary to the main house (e.g. office, gym), not as independent living space
Located in the rear garden, not the front
No more than 2.5m high if built within 2m of a boundary
Takes up less than 50% of your total garden area
Your home is NOT a flat, listed building, or in a conservation area
If any of these don’t apply — for example, your property is in a conservation area or you want a taller structure — you’ll need to apply for planning permission.
What’s the Application Process and Fee?
Most councils charge a fee of around £250–£500 (exact fee depends on the application). The whole process usually takes 8–10 weeks, depending on council workload and if additional info is requested.
Here’s an overview of the process:
Prepare and submit your application (1–2 weeks) – Prepare site and elevation drawings showing your design, and submit your applications online.
Council review (6–8 weeks) – After reviewing the application, the council will invite neighbour comments and may request additional info, like a tree survey.
Decision notice – You’ll receive written confirmation of the decision.
Will a 2.5m-High Garden Room Be Spacious Enough?
Many clients are happy with the 2.5m height - the large windows and skylights make it feel open, bright, and spacious. Here’s an example of our most popular garden studio that doesn’t require planning permission.
If you’d prefer a tall ceiling or already need planning permission (e.g. in a conservation area), you can choose a taller design. Here’s a striking 3.1m tall V-shaped garden studio we built in a conservation area, after securing planning approval.
We understand that everyone is different, so if you’d like to feel the space in person, we can arrange visits to our existing garden studios, before you make any commitment.
Can I Do the Planning Application Myself?
Yes — but the planning drawings must follow council standards. Incomplete or incorrect submissions often lead to delays or rejection. Many homeowners choose professional help to save time, avoid project delays and increase the chance of approval.
Can My Room in the Garden Help?
Yes. We’ve managed hundreds of planning applications for bespoke garden studios across London — with a 100% approval rate.
We offer a full planning application service starting from £1,200* + VAT. This includes:
Consultation and site assessment
Professional drawings and documentation
Submission to your local council
Managing one round of council feedback
*Note: This does not include the fees charged by the council.
Want to Find Out More?
Tell us about your project — whether it’s a garden office, music studio, bike storage, or garden gym — we’ll guide you through the next steps.
