Our clients needed a year-round home office in the narrow space between their existing garage and the garden boundary fence. The available area was approximately 5m × 3.5m (narrowing to 2.65m at one end). The design needed to maintain access to a garden gate and allow clearance for fence maintenance. The area beyond the fence is a 0.5–1m woodland strip. Drainage considerations applied. The layout required a single room with space for a desk, chairs, shelving and partitioned storage.
We assessed the proposal against Class E permitted development criteria and confirmed the garden office could proceed without a planning application, provided the design stayed within the height limits and the use remained incidental to the dwelling. We prepared drawings that maximised usable space within the constrained footprint.
Timber cladding or composite panels selected for low maintenance and contemporary appearance.
Flat or mono-pitched roof with integrated drainage. Keeps overall height within permitted development limits while maximising internal headroom.
Double-glazed sliding or French doors to the main elevation, with slimline windows for natural light. Positioned to avoid overlooking neighbouring properties.
Self-contained guttering and soakaway solution to manage rainwater run-off within the site.
Approved — confirmed as permitted development under Class E. The client proceeded with construction confident that the garden office was fully compliant. A functional workspace fitting neatly into the constrained site, delivered with professional drawings that doubled as the contractor’s build specification.
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