Can I use my shed as an extra bedroom?

The move, which is totally legal under British planning law, means homeowners can develop something as humble as a bike shed into a spare bedroom or living space and not get in trouble.

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A PLANNING expert has revealed a "loophole" Brits can use to convert outbuildings into an extra bedroom - without permission. The move, which is totally legal under British planning law, means homeowners can develop something as humble as a bike shed into a spare bedroom or living space and not get in trouble. 1 Brits can convert outbuildings into an extra bedroom without applying for planning permission Credit: Getty In a blow to neighbours fed up with garden monsters going up next door, planning expert Martin Gaine from Just Planning warned the conversion process is far easier than you may think. Speaking to The Sun, the Chartered Town Planner of 14 years' experience explained: "An outbuilding can be built using 'permitted development rights', meaning it does not need planning permission.

"As long as you comply with the various restrictions and conditions."

One of these is that the outbuilding can only be used for something 'ancillary' to your main living accommodation - examples include storage, a gym or a pool room. The shed cannot be built as main living accommodation itself, meaning you can't put a living room, bedroom or kitchen in straight away.

But there is a loophole.

If the outbuilding is existing, converting it then into primary living accommodation IS allowed. Martin explained: "This is because internal changes to an existing building are not considered to be development at all under the Town and Country Planning Act. "So, just as you can convert a dining room in your house into a bedroom without needing any kind of permission, you can convert an existing outbuilding into a bedroom." This could be the perfect space to house an unruly teenager or an elderly parent - and you don't even need planning permission. In practice, if you wanted an annexe to compliment your home, you could first build a posh storage shed or out building, and use it as such for a while. Once it is constructed and in use, you could lawfully start using it as extra residential living accommodation for your house - throwing in a a living room or a bedroom.

But like anything, there is one catch.

The new living accommodation must still have some connection with your use of the main house. For instance, if your gran is living out there, she must still come into the house to eat, the author of 'How to Get Planning Permission' said. Problems arise when your outbuilding becomes independent of your main house, meaning the person inside doesn't need to use your home for any facilities. Creating a whole new dwelling with a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom under one roof does require planning permission. Avoiding this catch keeps you within the law and means you can happily turn a posh shed or outbuilding into a separate bedroom. To find out more about how Martin Gaine can help you, visit Just Planning or pick up his book: 'How to Get Planning Permission', which is available on Amazon.

Are YOU fighting your neighbours over a planning row? Email: exclusive@the-sun.co.uk

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Do you need council approval to convert a garage into a room?

planningportal.co.uk - Planning Permission - Garage conversion

Planning permission is not usually required, providing the work is internal and does not involve enlarging the building. If your intention is to convert a garage into a separate house (regardless of who will occupy it), then planning permission may be required no matter what work is involved. We advise that you discuss such proposals with your Local Planning Authority to ensure that any work you do is lawful and correctly permissioned.

Find your Local Planning Authority ( https://www.planningportal.co.uk/find-your-local-planning-authority )

Find your Local Planning Authority

Sometimes permitted development rights have been removed from some properties with regard to garage conversions and therefore you should contact your local planning authority before proceeding, particularly if you live on a new housing development or in a conservation area. Where work is proposed to a listed building, listed building consent may be required. Please note: The permitted development allowances described here apply to houses and not to:

Flats and maisonettes (view our guidance on flats and maisonettes )

Converted houses or houses created through the ‘permitted development’ rights for: ‘Changes of use’ (Schedule 2, Part 3, Classes G; M; MA; N; P; PA and Q) (as detailed in our change of use section ) ‘New Dwellinghouses’ (Schedule 2, Part 20)

Other buildings

Areas where there may be a planning condition, Article 4 Direction or other restriction that limits permitted development rights. Build Aviator's estimating service can help you plan your project by providing an accurate cost of the proposed changes. Find out more . A planning consultant may help with the smooth running of your garage conversion project. To find an accurate consultancy quote, explore Studio Charrette's calculators .

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