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Planning Permission For Garden Rooms

Garden Room Building in Aberdeen: Navigating Planning Permission and Permitted Development

If you’re considering building a garden room in Aberdeen, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is whether you need planning permission. Planning permission for garden rooms can be a complex issue, but it’s important to understand the rules and regulations in order to avoid any potential issues. Here’s what you need to know:

Planning Permission for Garden Rooms

In Aberdeen, planning permission is generally required for any new building or structure, including a garden room, unless it falls under the category of permitted development. Permitted development is a set of rules that allows certain types of construction work to be carried out without planning permission, provided that specific criteria are met.

To determine whether your garden room will require planning permission, you should consider the following criteria:

  • Size: Garden rooms that are less than 4 meters in height and have a floor space of less than 30 square meters are generally considered to be permitted developments. If the garden room exceeds these size limits, planning permission may be required.
  • Location: Garden rooms that are located more than 1 meter from the boundary of the property are generally considered to be permitted developments. If the garden room is located within 1 meter of the boundary, planning permission may be required.
  • Appearance: Garden rooms that are designed to be in keeping with the appearance of the existing property, and do not create a dominant or intrusive feature, are generally considered to be permitted developments. If the garden room is not in keeping with the appearance of the property or creates a dominant feature, planning permission may be required.
  • Use: Garden rooms that are intended to be used for domestic purposes, such as a home office or gym, are generally considered to be permitted developments. If the garden room is intended to be used for commercial purposes, planning permission may be required.

Permitted Development for Garden Rooms

If your garden room meets the criteria for permitted development, you can generally proceed with the construction without planning permission. However, it’s important to note that there are still some restrictions that apply, including:

  • The garden room must not take up more than 50% of the total garden area.
  • The garden room must not be used as a separate dwelling or for commercial purposes.
  • The garden room must not be located in a conservation area, national park, or other protected area.

Building Regulations

Even if your garden room does not require planning permission, it must still comply with all relevant building regulations, including those related to safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility. It’s important to ensure that your garden room is built to a high standard and that it meets all the necessary requirements.

In conclusion, planning permission for garden rooms can be a complex issue, but by understanding the rules and regulations, you can ensure that your project proceeds smoothly and without any issues. If you’re unsure about whether your garden room requires planning permission or if you need advice on building regulations, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional builder or architect and your local planning authority.

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Do I need planning permission for a garden room?

The majority of garden rooms in Aberdeen fall under the category of permitted development and therefore do not require planning permission. However, it’s important to note that some garden rooms may still require planning permission depending on their size, location, and intended use.

What is permitted development?

Permitted development is a set of rules that allows certain types of construction work to be carried out without planning permission, provided that specific criteria are met.

What are the criteria for permitted development for a garden room?

The criteria for permitted development for a garden room include the size, location, appearance, and use of the structure. Garden rooms that are less than 4 meters in height and have a floor space of less than 30 square meters, located more than 1 meter from the boundary of the property, designed to be in keeping with the appearance of the existing property, and intended to be used for domestic purposes are generally considered to be permitted developments.

Can I build a garden room without planning permission?

If your garden room meets the criteria for permitted development, you can generally proceed with the construction without planning permission. However, it’s important to note that there are still some restrictions that apply.

What are the restrictions that apply to a garden room built without planning permission?

The restrictions that apply to a garden room built without planning permission include that the garden room must not take up more than 50% of the total garden area, must not be used as a separate dwelling or for commercial purposes, and must not be located in a conservation area, national park, or other protected area.

Do I still need to comply with building regulations if my garden room does not require planning permission?

Yes, even if your garden room does not require planning permission, it must still comply with all relevant building regulations, including those related to safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility.

What should I do if I’m unsure about whether I need planning permission for my garden room?

If you’re unsure about whether you need planning permission or if you need advice on building regulations, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional builder or architect and your local planning authority. They can help you understand the rules and regulations and ensure that your project proceeds smoothly and without any issues.

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