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For information about the guidance on this page and how it should be applied, visit Using this SPD.
Where proposals deviate from the guidance here, the Council will need to be satisfied that proposals are high quality and not detrimental to neighbourhood amenity. Pre-application submission is encouraged.
7.12 Detached outbuildings
A detached outbuilding in a rear garden can be a great way to add an additional space to your home, for example a home gym, office or storage space.
7.12.1
For details of permitted development rights for outbuildings, refer to this page on the Planning Portal. If the proposal does not fulfil the criteria stated here, planning permission will be required. Planning permission is always required for an outbuilding within the curtilage of a listed building.
7.12.2
Outbuildings must be carefully designed, to ensure they do not negatively impact the amenity or character of an area. Where planning permission is required, proposals for outbuildings may be acceptable. However, they must:
be no higher than 2.5m in height.
be single storey.
be located in the rear garden.
not include balconies or terraces.
not cover more than half the area of land around the original dwelling.
7.12.3
Detached outbuildings that are ‘incidental’, meaning they support the function of the main dwellinghouse, are typically acceptable without the need for planning permission, if other criteria for permitted development are fulfilled. Example uses include:
storage space including garden sheds.
home office or studio.
summerhouses or garden rooms.
7.12.4
For detached outbuildings that require planning permission, all habitable spaces must meet building regulations. Regardless of the proposed outbuilding size, uses that are not considered ‘incidental’ and generally require formal planning permission include:
self-contained living accommodation or bedroom spaces.
commercial business premises.
7.12.5
Where homes have already been extended, consideration will be given to the cumulative impact on character and neighbouring amenity.
7.12.6
Biodiverse/green roofs should be considered for any newly introduced flat roof. Read more about green roofs here.
7.12.7
It is advised that high quality screening, including planting, is used to lessen the visual impact of detached outbuildings for neighbouring properties.
7.12.8
For specific guidance on bin and cycle storage facilities within gardens, see here.
Detached outbuilding in a rear garden, with a maximum height of 2.5m
Detached building within a garden, containing a home office (SW Greenhouses)
Retrofit considerations for this type of alteration - this can be viewed closer-up in the right-hand side bar
Learn about the retrofit ideas above, and other retrofit measures, using the links below:
For information about the guidance on this page and how it should be applied, visit Using this SPD.
Where proposals deviate from the guidance here, the Council will need to be satisfied that proposals are high quality and not detrimental to neighbourhood amenity. Pre-application submission is encouraged.
7.12 Detached outbuildings
A detached outbuilding in a rear garden can be a great way to add an additional space to your home, for example a home gym, office or storage space.
7.12.1
For details of permitted development rights for outbuildings, refer to this page on the Planning Portal. If the proposal does not fulfil the criteria stated here, planning permission will be required. Planning permission is always required for an outbuilding within the curtilage of a listed building.
7.12.2
Outbuildings must be carefully designed, to ensure they do not negatively impact the amenity or character of an area. Where planning permission is required, proposals for outbuildings may be acceptable. However, they must:
be no higher than 2.5m in height.
be single storey.
be located in the rear garden.
not include balconies or terraces.
not cover more than half the area of land around the original dwelling.
7.12.3
Detached outbuildings that are ‘incidental’, meaning they support the function of the main dwellinghouse, are typically acceptable without the need for planning permission, if other criteria for permitted development are fulfilled. Example uses include:
storage space including garden sheds.
home office or studio.
summerhouses or garden rooms.
7.12.4
For detached outbuildings that require planning permission, all habitable spaces must meet building regulations. Regardless of the proposed outbuilding size, uses that are not considered ‘incidental’ and generally require formal planning permission include:
self-contained living accommodation or bedroom spaces.
commercial business premises.
7.12.5
Where homes have already been extended, consideration will be given to the cumulative impact on character and neighbouring amenity.
7.12.6
Biodiverse/green roofs should be considered for any newly introduced flat roof. Read more about green roofs here.
7.12.7
It is advised that high quality screening, including planting, is used to lessen the visual impact of detached outbuildings for neighbouring properties.
7.12.8
For specific guidance on bin and cycle storage facilities within gardens, see here.
Detached outbuilding in a rear garden, with a maximum height of 2.5m
Detached building within a garden, containing a home office (SW Greenhouses)
Retrofit considerations for this type of alteration - this can be viewed closer-up in the right-hand side bar
Learn about the retrofit ideas above, and other retrofit measures, using the links below:
Detached outbuilding in a rear garden, with a maximum height of 2.5m
Detached building within a garden, containing a home office (SW Greenhouses)
Retrofit considerations for this type of alteration - this can be viewed closer-up in the right-hand side bar