Garden Rooms

The general rules on garden room sizes are as follows:

• Up to 15m² floor space internally should not normally be required to comply with building regulations.
• 15m² - 30m² floor space internally should not normally be required to comply with building regulations unless it is situated less than 1m away from your property boundary.
• 30m²+ floor space internally should require building regulations approval. This is something Cabin Master can provide guidance and assistance with.
• The rules in your particular area can be found on your local planning portal website.
• Click here to find out more

You can use a garden room year-round — but insulation is key. Without quality insulation, the space can get cold in winter and hot in summer. A well-insulated garden room helps regulate the temperature, making it comfortable in all seasons. It also improves energy efficiency and keeps out damp and noise, so it’s worth including if you want a space that feels like a true extension of your home. 

Installing a toilet in a garden room may require Building Regulations approval, particularly where new plumbing, drainage or other building work is involved.

At Cabin Master, we can discuss your requirements and help you understand what may be needed for your particular garden room. Planning and building regulations can vary depending on your property and location, so we recommend checking with your local planning authority before work begins. 

A garden room can be positioned close to a boundary, but the permitted development rules place restrictions on its height.

In England:

• Within 2 metres of a boundary: the garden room must be no more than 2.5 metres high.
• More than 2 metres from the boundary: the maximum height can be 3 metres for a single-pitched or flat roof, or 4 metres for a dual-pitched roof.
• The eaves height cannot exceed 2.5 metres.
• Other permitted development conditions also apply, including the position and overall footprint of the building.

So, if you have a smaller garden, positioning your garden room close to the boundary is possible, but the design may need to be adjusted to meet the 2.5m height restriction.

At Cabin Master, we can discuss your garden, proposed position and design requirements to help establish the most suitable option. Planning rules can vary depending on your property, so always check with your local planning authority if you are unsure.