Can I Build a Studio Flat in my Garden?

Are you looking to build a garden studio apartment, perhaps as a granny annexe or as overspill accommodation for visiting friends or relatives, or kids flitting back and forth from university? If so, you’ll need to think not only about planning permission, but also about Building Regulations. Here we address both issues, as we attempt to answer the question, can I build a studio flat in my garden?

Garden studio flat or garden room, call it what you will. But if you are looking to create additional accommodation in the grounds of your house, even if it falls under Permitted Development, if it’s going to be living accommodation and/or require a toilet, shower or sink that connects to the main sewer, then you will need Building Regulations approval.

Can I build a studio flat in my garden without planning permission?

Under Permitted Development rules, garden room planning permission is not required, providing certain conditions are met. These conditions are mostly concerned with the size, height and position of the garden room, but also dictate that it cannot be used as self-contained accommodation. If it is, then Building Regulations approval will be required.

Building Regulations are concerned with how well built the garden room is, and that it meets current standards for fire safety, plumbing, electrics, ventilation, insulation and foundations.

When do I need Building Regulations approval for a garden studio?

If you are siting your garden room one metre or less away from the boundary of your garden, or it contains sleeping accommodation, which would usually be so in the case of a garden studio apartment, then you will need Building Regulations approval. The distance from the boundary is all to do with the risk of fire due to the structure being constructed from combustible materials, such as wood.

Any garden studio flat that contains a toilet, shower or sink connected to the mains sewer, or that is over 30 square metres in size, will also require Building Regulations approval.

Whilst Building Regulations approval may seem like an added hurdle or expense, the fact is that as well as ensuring your garden studio flat is legally compliant, it also gives you peace of mind that it has been built to an acceptable standard, as well as providing a certificate which you will need should you sell your property.

What are the benefits of building a garden studio apartment?

A self-contained garden studio apartment is the ideal solution if you have regular visitors who stay overnight. With their own bathroom and kitchenette, they can come and go as they please, without feeling like they are encroaching on your space.

It may be that you have an older relative who you’d like to keep an eye on, in which case a self-contained garden studio flat could prove beneficial. You can also use a self-contained garden studio apartment as an Airbnb rental.

Providing your garden room is well built and complies with Building Regulations and planning permission as required, it may add value to your property.

Looking to invest in a garden studio apartment? Look to Surrey Hills Garden Buildings for inspiration.

Building a garden room that acts as a self-contained studio flat could prove beneficial in a number of ways.  Talk to our helpful team here at Surrey Hills Garden Buildings for advice on everything from situating the building through planning permission, compliance and design through to construction, utility connection and decoration.

Why not visit one of our dedicated show sites for garden room inspiration? You are also welcome to get in touch to discuss your ideas for building a studio flat in your garden. We look forward to speaking to you.