Building a garden office in a new build garden

AFF8879

I just reserved today on a new build house. Having just completed on the sale of my 1-bed flat in London, as you can imagine I was looking for more green space especially as we move to hybrid working. Ideally I wanted a three bed but with the market as crazy as it is, I settled for a 2 bed in a lovely Hampshire village that had a fairly large garden (by new build standards), with the theory being I could create an office in this space rather than taking up the second bedroom. The garden is plenty big enough with enough space to spare for a decent lawn as well.

When I spoke to the developer today they mentioned I would need their approval to erect this structure, which would be well within permitted development guidelines, and that this should be raised by my solicitors before exchanging if it’s a critical requirement (which it sort of is for me). The house is freehold.

I just wondered if anyone had any similar experiences and if so, what the outcome was? 

Section62

AFF8879 said:

....which would be well within permitted development guidelines....

As a new build you won't necessarily have (full) permitted development rights.  Whether you do or not is something else to check.

sheramber

The builder may have a covenant that nothing can be built in the garden without their permission. This is to maintain the look of the estate for future sales.

tinytiddles

We aren’t allowed to build any permanent structure in the garden for the first 10 years after initial purchase without permission of the developer - doesn’t mean you can’t but expect to cross their palms with silver to get their agreement. If you are early on in the purchase why not get it done as part of the sale? Someone around here did with an extension they wanted to put on their house and it meant they could get planning sorted while the sale was going through and they started their build about a week after moving in. 

Also we have had permitted development rights removed on this estate because it is a new town and the local authorities want to protect the street scene. Again, doesn’t mean you can’t do it but you may have to get planning permission when you wouldn’t ordinarily.

eddddy

AFF8879 said:

When I spoke to the developer today they mentioned I would need their approval to erect this structure, which would be well within permitted development guidelines, and that this should be raised by my solicitors before exchanging if it’s a critical requirement (which it sort of is for me). The house is freehold.

Maybe just double check that permitted development rights haven't been removed - as a planning condition.

If it's on a newbuild estate, the planning authority often remove permitted development rights. If that's happened, you'd need to apply for planning consent, which usually takes up to 8 weeks.


But assuming you have permitted development rights - here are the rules for outbuildings: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/43/outbuildings



There may also be restrictive covenants - which means you'll need the developer's consent as well.

Jeepers_Creepers

Hi AFF.

How soon would you want to build this garden room? And are you are DIYer, or would you be buying off-the-shelf?

If the latter, get a pic of the type of room, and make it a nice one... Have this with you when you approach the developer to discuss permission and requirements.

I'd hope that an open-minded project manager would actually see what an attractive-to-lots-of-folk move it would be, as I'm sure you'd not be the only one wishing to work from home. Surely many folk would see this as a potential asset?

I can't see why they couldn't approve these garden office on an individual basis, and within certain guidelines.

If this is an essential requirement for you, then make sure you do get permission first.