Garden Rooms & Planning Permission in Sunderland

Start with the right question

The first thing most people ask about a garden room is whether they need planning permission. It is a sensible question, but there is no single answer that fits every garden in Sunderland. Whether a garden room needs permission depends on its size, its height, where it sits in your garden and what you plan to use it for. The people who can give you a definite answer for your home are Sunderland City Council, and the Planning Portal is a good place to start reading.

Every property is different, so rather than quote rules that may not fit your home, this guide covers what to gather and think about before you check. That way the conversation with the council, and your quote with us, both go smoothly.

The things that affect the answer

When you look into it, these are the areas that matter:

• Size. How big the room is, and how much of your garden it takes up.
• Height. The overall height and the shape of the roof.
• Position. Where the room sits in the garden, and how close it is to boundaries and to the house.
• Use. A home office or a gym for your own use is not the same as a business that welcomes clients.
• Your property. Some homes and some areas have their own restrictions, so always check what applies at your address.

Measure up before you check

A little preparation makes the whole process easier. Before you contact the council or read the guidance:

• measure your garden and sketch where you would like the room to go
• note how close it would be to fences, walls and the house
• think about the size of room you need and the height you want inside
• decide what you will use it for, now and in the future
• take a few photos of the spot from the house and from the garden

With those details written down, you can check the guidance properly and ask the right questions.

Running a business from your garden room

Garden salons, treatment rooms and dog grooming rooms are some of the uses we design for. Our garden salons page and dog grooming rooms page explain more. If you plan to welcome clients, include that when you check, because business use can change the answer. Check with Sunderland City Council whether your business plans need permission before you start trading.

Talk to your neighbours

However your plans turn out, a friendly word with the neighbours before any work starts goes a long way. Let them know what you are planning and roughly where it will go. Most people appreciate being told rather than finding out when the building work begins.

Where we fit in

We design and build bespoke garden rooms in Sunderland: timber-framed, clad and insulated rooms built on site in your garden. What goes into every room is simple to list:

• Bespoke designs
• High-quality finishes
• Modern insulation
• Comfortable all year round
• Professional appearance

When you ask us for a quote, we will talk through the size, height and position of the room with you, so you have the details ready when you check with the council.

What one customer said

I’ve worked with them before and there absolutely amazing at what they do !!

— Loyd Lilley, via Facebook

Frequently asked questions

Do I need planning permission for a garden room in Sunderland? It depends on the size, height and position of the room and what you will use it for, so there is no single answer that fits every garden. Check with Sunderland City Council or the Planning Portal before you commit to a design.

Can I run a salon or grooming business from a garden room? A garden room can give you a dedicated space for a salon, a treatment room or a grooming business. Check with Sunderland City Council whether your business plans need permission before you open.

What should I have ready before I contact the council? A sketch of your garden with measurements, the size and height of the room you have in mind, where it will sit, and what you will use it for.

Where can I find out more? Start with the planning pages on the Sunderland City Council website and the Planning Portal.

Ready to start planning?

Your garden. Your space. Your possibilities. If you are in Sunderland and have a garden room in mind, get a quote or call 07903 360940 and tell us what you would like to use it for.