Do I Need Planning Permission For a Summerhouse?

With any home, the garden is an important space to utilise in a way that suits your lifestyle, and that can sometimes mean making additions and changes. The previous owners may have installed certain elements you wouldn’t personally have chosen or you might have a blank slate with which to imprint your own character. That’s where a summerhouse might be an ideal addition, especially if you want a space separate from your home and enjoy being outside in your garden.

Since a summerhouse is a little larger than a standard shed, you might be wondering whether you need planning permission for such an addition. That’s why we want to help you navigate the tricky world of planning with a guide to what a summerhouse is, whether it requires planning permission and a few other insights to steer you right.

Let’s start with a brief overview of what a summerhouse is exactly.

What is a summerhouse?

More often than not, a summerhouse in your garden will be a wooden construction. Often compared with sheds, one of the key differences is that a summerhouse will be built as a more visually attractive outbuilding, creating a space in which you can relax, rather than store tools. 

Summerhouses can range from extremely simple to highly ornate, from rectangular shapes and L shapes to more elaborate gazebo shapes. Sometimes, homeowners will attempt to make the most of the space in their garden with a corner summerhouse. 

Other key inclusions for summerhouses are windows, doors and different roofing materials compared with the traditional shed. If you have enough space, you might also include a small veranda.

Do I need planning permission for a summerhouse?

Because of the relatively small size of most summerhouses, you are often able to construct a summerhouse within your permitted development rights, meaning that you won’t need to apply for planning permission as long as you abide by the following rules:

• Your summerhouse must not take up more than 50% of the total land around your home (in addition to any other outbuildings)

• Your summerhouse must not exceed a maximum height of 2.5 metres if positioned within 2 metres of your property boundary

• Your summerhouse is not used as a self-contained accommodation space
• Your property is not considered to be in a conservation area, World Heritage site, national park or area of outstanding national beauty

These rules may also differ if your home is a listed building, which is why we always advise that you contact your local planning office in order to be completely sure that any planned summerhouse installation meets the rules. 

Summerhouse building regulations

You might also be wondering, in addition to planning permission, whether you need building regulations approval for summerhouses. The simple answer to this is that you do not unless the floor area of the summerhouse is greater than 30 square metres. This rule applies to all summerhouses regardless of whether they’re a temporary installation or something more permanent. 

The benefits of a summerhouse

If you’ve never considered a summerhouse for your garden, you might be wondering why they’re so popular. Allow us to point out some of the fantastic benefits of adding a summerhouse to your outdoor living space:

• Extended living space – There is great value in having space away from the main home; whether you need it for a home office or somewhere to get a little bit of peace and quiet from the kids, it can be a small space to make your own.

• Adds value to your property – As with any addition you make to your property, regardless of whether you plan to sell or not, you’re also adding value. More useful, enjoyable space will not only make a more attractive prospect, but it will set your home apart from others and therefore command more value.

• More enjoyment of your garden – While the temperatures might ordinarily keep you out of the garden in autumn and winter, you can make more of it if you have a little shelter. It can often be quite peaceful to watch the rain and wind from inside your cosy summerhouse.

Choose a reliable summerhouse company

Here are Bosaco, we’re your local experts when it comes to constructing outbuildings such as summerhouses and navigating any planning permission issues that may apply. With our experience as local builders for Nottingham, you can expect every detail to be taken care of professionally when it comes to your home.

We’ve already helped many homeowners to make the most of their gardens and properties in general, so why not make the most of our expertise? Contact us today to discuss any summerhouse or shed building you require for your garden in Nottingham and our friendly, knowledgeable team of landscaping experts will be happy to help.