Stress-Free Annexe Planning Permission & Turn-Key Design Services
The most common question we hear from families looking to build a garden home is: “Will the council let me build this?” Navigating local authority regulations can be daunting, but with Artisan Annexe, you never have to face the council alone. We offer a comprehensive, turn-key service where we manage your entire annexe planning permission application from the initial site survey right through to the final council approval.
Do I Need Planning Permission for an Annexe?
In the vast majority of cases in the UK, yes, you will need some form of formal consent from your local authority. However, the type of consent required depends entirely on how your annexe is built and used.
Because Artisan Annexes are expertly designed and constructed to comply with the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act, they are legally classified as mobile homes rather than permanent permanent dwellings. This often means we can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate rather than full householder planning permission, simplifying the process. Whether your local council requires a certificate or full granny flat planning permission, our team handles the complex paperwork for you.
The Caravan Act & Certificate of Lawfulness Applications
When families ask us about granny flat planning permission, the most efficient route is often through the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act. Because Artisan Annexes are expertly engineered to be transportable and meet specific size and construction criteria, they can be legally classified as mobile homes rather than permanent brick-and-mortar dwellings.
If the annexe is going to be used by a family member, sharing facilities or spending time in the main house so that the use is “ancillary accommodation” to the main property, we can often bypass traditional planning permission. Instead, our team submits an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness to your local council. This provides you with formal, legal confirmation that you are permitted to site the annexe in your garden under the Caravan Act, simplifying the process and protecting your property’s legal standing.
Alternative Routes: Householder & Full Planning Applications
Sometimes, a Certificate of Lawfulness isn’t the right fit. If your property is situated in a Conservation Area, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), has restricted Permitted Development rights, or if your council applies stricter local interpretations of the law, formal planning permission may be required.
In these instances, there is no need to worry. Our expert annexe architects will prepare and submit either a Householder Planning Application or a Full Planning Application on your behalf. We will conduct a thorough site survey and adapt your bespoke architectural drawings to meet the exact design requirements of your local planning officers. Whichever legal route is required for your specific garden, we manage the entire strategy to give your build the highest possible chance of approval.
Navigating The Annexe Planning Process
At Artisan, our experienced team are happy to conduct extensive background research inot past applications that have been submitted to your local authority. This allows us to advise on the best course of action for your project before any documents are submitted.
Once our team submits your application, the standard annexe planning process takes approximately 8 to 10 weeks for the council to reach a decision. During this time, Artisan Annexe acts as your sole agent. We will liaise directly with the planning officers, answer any technical questions they have, and keep you updated every step of the way. You can simply sit back and start planning your interior finishes!
Book a Planning Review
Annexe Planning Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if my planning application is refused?
While our success rate is incredibly high, council decisions can occasionally be unpredictable. If your application is refused, we will review the planning officer’s feedback with you. We can often make minor amendments to the design and resubmit, or advise on whether it is worth submitting a formal appeal.
Does an annexe increase my Council Tax?
If the annexe is being used by a dependent relative (such as an elderly parent), you can usually apply for a complete exemption from paying additional Council Tax. We can guide you on how to apply for this exemption with your local authority.
Other than this, it may simply push you onto the next council tax band.
Will my neighbours be able to object and stop the build?
For a Certificate of Lawfulness, your neighbours will not be informed of the application and any comments that are made are not taken into consideration. This is simple a case of whether the proposed structure is lawful.
However, as part of a full planning application or householder application, your immediate neighbours will be notified by the council and given 21 days to comment. However, neighbours cannot simply “veto” your build. The council will only consider objections that are based on strict “material planning considerations” (such as a severe loss of light), which our architects actively design against from day one.
How close to my boundary fence can the annexe be built?
This depends on the overall height of the annexe and the materials used. Generally, under the Caravan Act and building regulations, we try to maintain a 1-meter gap from the boundary to ensure the structure is fully compliant and to allow our team access for maintenance, but our surveyors will advise on your specific garden during your consultation.
How much of my garden can i use?
As a rule, no more than 50% of the formal garden can be taken up my additional structures. the Caravan Act guidelines are different to Full Planning Applications, which may restrict the size more. Book a Planning Review for more information.
How Long Does Planning Take?
From the time that the application is submitted and validated on the council’s system, it takes on average 8 weeks to receive a decision. However, some LPA’s can take several weeks to validate the applications which is unfortunately out of our control.
Our team are more than happy to research the average waiting times for you LPA to offer a more accurate estimate.
How long do they take to build?
Depending on the size, construction of your new annexe will take approximately 6-10 weeks.
Can i visit an annexe?
Certainly. We are happy to arrange a visit to one of our existing clients.