Can I build a granny annexe in my garden?

So the answer to 'can you build a granny annexe? ' – yes you can, however it would require planning permission for self living with a bedroom, bathroom etc, unless converting from an established outbuilding.

planninggeek.co.uk - Granny Annexe in the garden - does it need planning permission?

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Granny Annexe in the garden – does it need planning permission?

A popular question that I am often asked is can I add a Granny Annexe to my back garden? Can my Nan or Grandad move into the new structure?

Does it need planning permission for the Granny annexe?

Whilst Part 1, Class E allows for outbuildings unfortunately if the building is intended to be slept in then it will require planning permission. Class E allows for the erection of an outbuilding on up to 50% of the land around the home, which includes extensions, sheds and other outbuildings. Yes, there are cases where the inspectorate has gone the way of the householder, but the Permitted development rights for householders – Technical Guidance is quite clear on the matter as far as a Granny Annexe is concerned.

It says…..

Class E sets out the rules on permitted development for buildings etc within the curtilage of a house (see page 7). Buildings which are attached to the house are not permitted under Class E (they would be subject to the rules in Class A). Buildings under Class E should be built for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the house. Paragraph E.4 of Class E indicates that purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the house includes the keeping of poultry, bees, pet animals, birds or other livestock for the domestic needs or personal enjoyment of the occupants of the house. But the rules also allow, subject to the conditions and limitations below, a large range of other buildings on land surrounding a house. Examples could include common buildings such as garden sheds, other storage buildings, garages, and garden decking as long as they can be properly be described as having a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the house. A purpose incidental to a house would not, however, cover normal residential uses, such as separate self-contained accommodation or the use of an outbuilding for primary living accommodation such as a bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen.

How to create a Granny annexe legally

That said there is nothing to stop you from creating say a gym for the use of the residents of the house, then at a later date apply for permission to convert that legal outbuilding into a granny annexe – completely different scenario. A gym might require a small kitchenette for mixing of sports drinks and a shower for refreshing afterwards. However, I would recommend getting a lawful development certificate once the construction is complete of the gym or similar outbuilding. You can also request change of use permission to convert an external garage into living accommodation as a granny annexe. Or perhaps convert an internal garage into living space as this is not development. Generally you can replace the garage door with a window unless you are in a conservation area, listed building or a planning condition, especially in new builds, prevents this. So the answer to ‘can you build a granny annexe?’ – yes you can, however it would require planning permission for self living with a bedroom, bathroom etc, unless converting from an established outbuilding. Then it is just a change of use request.

Page Updated: 7th March 2022

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What size of shed can I build without planning permission?

Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof.

drawingandplanning.com - Do I need Planning Permission for Outbuildings

Permitted Development For Outbuildings

New rules regarding whether or not you can extend or add to your home without having to apply for planning permission for an outbuilding came into force on 1 October 2008. The New limits and conditions for what is allowed without the need for planning permission apply largely to the dimensions of the proposed addition, its position in relation to the house and its proximity to the boundaries of the property. Under the new regulations constructing an outbuilding that is not within designated land is considered permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, providing it meets the following limits and conditions: An outbuilding can not be constructed on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation. Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof. Maximum height of 2.5 metres in the case of a building, enclosure or container within two metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the dwellinghouse.No verandas, balconies or raised platforms. No more than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings. In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the maximum area to be covered by buildings, enclosures, containers and pools more than 20 metres from house to be limited to 10 square metres. On designated land buildings, enclosures, containers and pools at the side of properties will require planning permission.

Within the curtilage of listed buildings any outbuilding will require planning permission.

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