Will I need Garden Hut planning permission?

Will I need Garden Hut planning permission?

Negotiating the minefield that is UK planning permission is one thing many property improvers have had to do at some point or another. When renovating, refurbishing or demolishing for residential or commercial purposes, knowing the ins and outs of planning permission – and discovering when you need it – is crucial to the long-term viability of any building alteration.

For homeowners looking to bypass the cost, disruption and frustrations of traditional property extensions and conversions, adding a structure like a Garden Hut could provide the perfect solution. Here we explore how as well as share what Garden Hut planning permission you’ll need to incorporate a wooden cabin into your private outdoor space.

Why is a shepherd hut such a great alternative?

For homeowners like you who are looking to expand their living space, a shepherd hut offers an excellent alternative to a traditional property extension or conversion. Delivering a unique blend of functionality, charm and versatility which can’t be easily replicated by a standard extension or conversion, these quaint, mobile structures provide cosy retreats and cost-effective lifestyle solutions.

Unlike traditional extensions, which generally require significant alterations to the structure of the main property and landscaping of the garden, shepherd huts can be installed with minimal effort or disruption. Their portable nature means they can be positioned almost anywhere in the garden, providing homeowners with the flexibility to choose the perfect spot for their new living space without the need for extensive groundwork and construction.

While a large number of extensions and conversions fall within a property owner’s ‘permitted development rights’, garden shepherd huts still come out on top in terms of time and money. A garden shepherd hut ultimately delivers a faster and more budget-friendly solution, especially if you choose a Greendown Garden Hut!

What exactly are my permitted development rights?

In short, permitted development rights provide homeowners in the UK with a degree of flexibility and autonomy when making alterations and extensions to their own properties. Their introduction has made navigating the often complicated planning process simpler for homeowners wishing to undertake certain types of development without the need for planning permission.

Permitted development rights cover a wide range of alterations and extensions to residential properties, including but not limited to small extensions (including single-storey rear extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions), roof alterations, solar panel installations, and the addition of certain types of outbuilding, such as garden sheds, greenhouses and summerhouses.

It is however important to note that permitted development rights are not applicable in all circumstances and may be subject to limitations or restrictions. This includes factors such as the location of the property, its listed building status, specific planning conditions imposed by local councils, and the scale of the alteration or extension.

Do I need Garden Hut planning permission?

With shepherd huts considered temporary structures in most cases, there are very few regulatory hurdles and planning restrictions to overcome when installing a hut in a private garden. This means you won’t have to waste any time researching planning permissions or your permitted development rights.

Homeowners purchasing for private use (with placement in the garden of a residential property) or customers planning to rent for less than 28 days per calendar year will not require Garden Hut planning permission or an exemption certificate.

When might planning permission be required?

If you are planning to use your shepherd hut as a source of income through renting and intend to do so for more than 28 days per calendar year, you will need to apply for planning permission or an exemption.

A planning exemption certificate can take up to 12 weeks to obtain, but will only be granted to sites with up to five shepherd huts. In comparison, full planning permission can take up to 12 months to be granted.

Have more questions about Garden Hut planning permission? Get in touch with the Greendown team today for a no-obligation chat.