This is the third in our recent series regarding permitted development. Please also see our first article with the government planning website link and our new article on granny annexe designs.
Planning permission for a granny annexe?
It is not possible to use outbuildings to create new independent dwellings – this would be to establish separate building plots needing planning permission. However, this does not prevent the use of existing outbuildings for additional accommodation provided it is used in a close association with – and not independently of – the main house. If an outbuilding is used to house an elderly relative, with their own kitchen and bathroom, provided they are genuinely dependent on the occupants of the main house and spend time within the main house, planning permission should not be required for the annexe. We would always advise getting written consent from the planning authority before embarking upon a project such as this however.
There are obviously grey areas involved and it does to some extent depend on the behaviour and nature of the occupant of the annexe as much as the size and separation of that building from the house. So, whilst the use of a detached outbuilding as a granny annexe to house an 85 year old disabled dependant relative would not need planning permission, to rent that building to an unrelated 18 year old student with their own car and separate life would. For peace of mind, residential uses of this kind should be formally agreed with the planning department as not needing permission.
Disclaimer:
The advice on this page is an outline of permitted regulations. It is important that you notify your planning authority of your intentions and we would not advise you undertake the erection on an annexe without getting written consent from the council firstly, as there may be local rules or restrictions that apply, that you need to comply with first.
