Generally, garden buildings in the UK do not require planning permission. There are, however, a few exceptions to this, so it’s useful to know these depending on the intended size, placement, and purpose of your garden room.
Garden rooms are classed as outbuildings in UK planning law and, as such, fall under permitted development rights the majority of the time, and therefore, do not require planning permission. This is an advantage over other options for extending your living space as the process is quick and simple.
However, if you live in a flat or maisonette, or in a listed building, you will not have permitted development rights and will need to obtain garden room planning permission. This is also the case if you live in a conservation area, National Park, World Heritage site or area of outstanding natural beauty. If your property has been converted into a house previously, or has undergone a change or use, then it may not have the permitted development rights and would require full planning permission.
Provided that none of the above restrictions apply to your property type or location, you can usually go ahead without planning permission if your proposed garden room falls within the following criteria:
The location and size of the garden room will also need to be taken into consideration. Garden rooms cannot be placed in the front of your home, and the total area of all building on your property, including any other sheds, conservatories, garages, extensions, and other outbuildings must not cover more than 50% of the total area of your property. Please visit the Which website for more information.
Garden buildings are often used as garden offices to allow for privacy and a professional separation from home life. Most of the time, planning permission is not required as this would likely come under permitted use of an outbuilding, provided that it doesn’t change the main use of your home. However, if you are using it for more than working alone on a computer and the phone, for example holding face-to-face client meetings, or an exercise class, then you may need to ask your council for planning permission due to the potential impact on your surrounding neighbours.
Should you wish to add plumbing facilities to your garden room, you will need to check with your local council as to whether they would require you to have planning permission for this. Adding a power supply generally doesn’t require planning permission, provided that all electrical work complies with Building Regulations, specifically Part P. If these electrical works are extensive then you will have to notify your local authority building control to ensure they meet all safety regulations.
If you have any questions relating to garden rooms and garden offices, then please get in touch with the friendly team at Design Build Space today. Or, visit our useful frequently asked question page.
Seamlessly expand your home with modern modular construction — fast, clean, and fully compliant.
Stylish, thermally efficient spaces designed for year-round comfort and versatility.
Self-contained living solutions built with privacy, comfort, and lasting durability.
Modular solutions for classrooms, offices, and professional environments — built faster, smarter, and to scale.
At first glance, this is just a dining extension. But in truth, it’s far more than that. Liam and Roxy’s original dining space sat awkwardly between the kitchen and snug – practical, perhaps, but never truly welcoming.
This new modular extension has transformed the way they live. It’s a room filled with light, opening onto the garden, a place where every meal feels like an occasion. The design is modern yet sympathetic, with careful choices in cladding and glazing that balance beauty, efficiency, and comfort.
It’s proof that even a modest addition, when done thoughtfully, can change the whole character of a home.
This was most certainly the heaviest peice of glass we fitted for this off-set picture window totaling 150kg. Manufactured millimeter perfect by the fantastic team @bmbifoldingdoors As well as the high quality Smart Systems Visofold bifolds with integrated blinds.
We take great pride in the work we do as well as the manufacturers that we choose to provide the highest quality product.
We can run you through our ideas and show you a catalogue of options at the design stage to make sure you get the best out of your space.
Make an enquiry with out friendly team at www.designbuildspace.co.uk
It’s not just a garden room.
It’s a fresh perspective, a new angle to enjoy your favourite corner of the garden. A retreat beyond the four walls of your home. A space to pause, recharge, and simply be.
Or in this case… the perfect spot to sit back, savour the view of an incredible garden creation, and watch the sun dip below the horizon — fine malt in hand, peace all around.
Because sometimes, the best spaces aren’t just built — they’re lived in. 🌿
#gardenroom #deponti #ecoscape #wildgarden
Looking to extend but don`t want the hassle of traditional build?
Look no further than DB-Space, we can drop an extension in for you with minimal hassle, no concrete, no mess, just a smooth, hassle free process. Fully craned in, building regulations approved extension from foundations to completion in 6 days.
Ground breaking results without breaking the ground.
Get in touch to find out more.
#craneday #offsiteextension #lightgaugesteel #oneweekextension #modularbuilders #dbspacemodular
We were back in Malton today fitting some bespoke handrails for our client. They first thought about going with glass, but decided on black iron instead—less upkeep and it looks great with the terrace!
Something oddly satisfying about watching a ground screw glide into place.
Solid foundations, set with precision.
#GroundScrewFoundations #DBSpaceModular
What a week it’s been for the team at DB-Space!
At the start of the year, we set ourselves a challenge — to design and deliver a high-quality, off-site extension that could be installed in just one week. Our goal? A seamless, stress-free experience for our clients with minimal disruption to daily life.
And this week, we made it happen. Imagine leaving for work on Tuesday morning and returning home to find a beautifully crafted extension sitting in your garden — ready and waiting.
We wrapped up roof detailing on Wednesday, completed plastering on Thursday, and gave everything a final polish today. The second fix electrics will be finished on Monday, once the plaster’s fully dry.
If you`re looking to create more space without the mess and hassle of a traditional build, we’d love to chat. Drop us a message to find out how we can help bring your vision to life.
#craneday #modularextension #lightgaugesteel #dbspacemodular #offsite
Dream Extension. Delivered.
Looking to extend without the mess and stress?
Our modular home extensions are built off-site and installed in days – not months.
📐 We handle drawings + building control + planning
#ModularExtension #HomeUpgrade #DBSpaceModular #DBSpaceGardenRooms
#offsite #lightgaugesteel #kitchenextension
Behind the scenes...
At the heart of every one of our garden rooms is an expertly manufactured steel frame — precision-built right here in our workshop.
This one’s now ready to be insulated and wrapped with our high-performance building envelope.
We don’t just build one of the most energy-efficient garden rooms on the market — we build one of the strongest.
Built for life. Engineered for comfort. Designed for beauty.
We can’t wait to see this one clad in stunning Swedish timber. Stay tuned for the transformation.
#GardenRoom #SteelFrame #ModularBuild #MadeInUK #BehindTheBuild #WorkshopWednesdays #ModernLiving #DBSpaceGardenRooms #DBSpaceModular
Beautiful spaces, built the right way.
From bespoke garden rooms and modular extensions to pergolas, steel frames, and ground screw foundations — we take care of it all with care and precision.
If you`re planning a project and want it done properly, we`re here to help.
Drop us a message — we`d love to hear what you have in mind.
We’re excited to revisit Peter and his incredible wild garden, complete with a bespoke viewing room and pergola.
Garden room requirements are often unique, and we love turning your ideas into reality. If you’ve got something in mind, feel free to get in touch — let’s see what we can create together.
All our builds use a modular steel frame system, with designs tailored specifically to suit your space and needs.
#wildgarden #deponti #gardenroom
A recent installation we completed in Guisborough, North Yorkshire.
The client was in need of a dedicated trading space where he could stay focused for hours on end with the occasional break for a game of darts!
We designed this bespoke build to work with the existing landscaping scheme. The finished outcome, along with stepped access, worked seamlessly.
#gardenoffice #trading #modularbuilding #DB-Space #steelframedbuilding
Please request a brochure and sample pack to help you choose your perfect Garden Room.
Find out moreSmarter, faster, sustainable building — without compromise.
From homes to classrooms, we design and deliver precision-engineered modular buildings across the UK.
Tel: 01642 386 009
Phone: 07979 867 550
E-Mail: info@designbuildspace.co.uk
Head Office / Workshop:
DB-Space Modular
21 Collingwood Court
Riverside Park
Middlesbrough
Teesside
TS2 1RP
We deliver nationwide from our Teesside HQ.
Our HQ — Serving Clients Nationwide