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.” 54