insideKENT Magazine Issue 100 - August 2020 | Page 54
HOME+GARDEN
GARDEN ROOM DESIGN CONT.
THAMES VALLEY WINDOW COMPANY
RULES AND REGULATIONS
So before you get too excited and start digging a
foundation ready for your very own outdoor oasis,
what are the rules and regulations, and how on earth
does planning permission work? Well, the good news
is that planning permission is not normally required,
and the only reason you would need to acquire it
would be if you are planning a structure that covers
more than 50% of your garden. Or if you’re planning
on using the space for non-domestic use, so if you
are planning on popping a few beds in there and
renting it out to a couple of back-packers, you may
want to think again. The garden room also needs to
be a single story, and be a maximum of 2.5m high
for flat roofs. There are a few other minor stipulations
in regard to planning permission so be sure to
research thoroughly on all the dos, and do-nots. It
is also always a good idea, if you plan on doing
anything fancy like installing a toilet to your garden
room to double check whether you need planning
permission with the local authorities, it's always better
to be safe than sorry!
It is also important to remember that even if your
garden room does not need planning permission it
will still need to be up to date on all relevant safety
and building codes. According to the garden room
wizards at www.waltons.co.uk, “Building regulations
are minimum standards for design, construction and
alterations to virtually every building. They’re
developed by the Government and approved by
Parliament…For all builds normal safety standards
will apply, especially if you’re planning to install
electrical connections or a bathroom with mains
plumbing. Check with a building control body if
you’re not sure whether you need approval.”
DESIGNING THE EXTERIOR
So you’ve done all your research, you’ve got all the
planning permission you need, now your focus should
be on choosing the right design for your garden
room. One of the most important choices you will
make is the kind of material you opt for the structure.
Do you want a room that simply blends seamlessly
into the backdrop of your garden, or do you air
more on the side of the dramatic? Either way be
sure to choose the right material for you, options
range from fragile glass, to solid oak with a multitude
of choices in between. There are many things to
think about when it comes to the exterior design of
your garden room. Sam Norris of Garden Street
(www.gardenstreet.co.uk), an independent garden retailer
that focuses on the importance of green living, advises
“Design is so important, so make sure you select the
right garden room for your space - the biggest isn't
always best. You want the structure to look natural
in your surroundings. If your garden is small, choose
wisely. It makes sense to not risk eliminating all of
your space by installing another structure. It's better
to go for something that is big enough to
accommodate your needs and complement your
garden. Plants are a key part of making your garden
room look great. Pop a climber in, to grow up the
side of the building for a rustic look, or sprinkle the
edge of your garden room with some colourful potted
flowers and plants. This will help the room appear
natural in its surroundings, just as it should.”
Perhaps the next most important aspect of the exterior
of your garden room is the door, the entrance, and
exit to your own little haven. If you are going with
the more natural look, managing director of Thames
Valley Window Company (www.tvwindows.com),
Ryan Schofield had this advice; “Bi-fold doors are
a great option for small to larger scale garden rooms.
They run on a concealed track along the floor for
a seamless, smooth appearance, making access easy
and giving the feeling of the inside and outside being
one space. For thermal efficiency choose a timber
or a modern aluminium frame to help combat heat
loss and condensation issues.”
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