Question for Council Planning Officers

Somerset

This is a question about the 'use' of a permitted development. We will be putting up a building at the bottom of our garden ( to replace a falling down timber one ). Our local planning officer has suggested permitted development is the best route. On our plans we want to use half the building as a garage/toolshed/storage area. That bit is fine. The other half we want to have as a 'home office'. This is the bit I'm concerned about - whether this is allowed. I've read the Council's ' Planning-A guide for Householders'. It says you need planning permission if 'the building is not to be used for purposes ancillary to domestic use and is to be used instead, for example, for parking a commercial vehicle, running a business, or for storing goods in connection with a business'. So they won't allow it to be used as a business business, but we want it as a home office ( ie work from home ) with desk, computer, heating etc. Will this 'home office' idea fall foul of the permitted development rule ? I know the easy answer is to ask the Council officer, but if it's not allowed, I don't want to put him on notice that that's what it will actually be used for.
Thanks in advance for any answers.

richardw

The part to use as a 'Home office' would need to be built to domestic building standards, even if you got permission do you want to spend that amount on an out building that may not add that much value to your home.

robnye

i thought 'permitted development' is only when the development is within the main house or within 5 metres of the house.......

Somerset

richardw wrote:

The part to use as a 'Home office' would need to be built to domestic building standards, even if you got permission do you want to spend that amount on an out building that may not add that much value to your home.

Well the construction is going to be breeze-block/clad,tilied & insulated roof, foundations, damp course, internal insulation, electrics etc. So it's no different to domestic standard anyway. Value wise, lots of people look for a place they can use to work from home. It's why we want it. O/H mostly works from home and I can't stand the house being a total mess with papers, files etc. A seperation between work & home is essential ( if it's feasible ).

Somerset

robnye wrote:

i thought 'permitted development' is only when the development is within the main house or within 5 metres of the house.......

No - quote from 'Planning A Guide for Householders' - Many kinds of buildings and structures can be built in your garden or on the land around your house without the need to apply for planning permission. These can include sheds, garages, greenhouses, accomodation for pets and domestic animals ..... and many other kinds of structure.

There are various rules you have to follow. 'Buildings' have to be less than 50% of total garden area, max height 3m (flat roof) 4m ( pitched), 2m from boundaries, not in an AONB/conservation etc etc.

But back to main question - if I tell them it's for a 'work from home office' will that be ok, or do different Councils have different interpretations ?

richardw

Somerset wrote:

Well the construction is going to be breeze-block/clad,tilied & insulated roof, foundations, damp course, internal insulation, electrics etc. So it's no different to domestic standard anyway. Value wise, lots of people look for a place they can use to work from home. It's why we want it. O/H mostly works from home and I can't stand the house being a total mess with papers, files etc. A seperation between work & home is essential ( if it's feasible ).

Sounds like it is just what you want, is cheaper than moving and will be well used. Good luck with the project.

Somerset

So does anyone know if 'home office' would be acceptable in a permitted development application ?