Building a Granny Annexe in a Protected Area

Rising costs of care homes, the growing importance of multigenerational living and the increasing cost of living crisis all demand a practical solution for UK homeowners: building a granny annexe.

Self-contained, high-quality living spaces are a wonderful solution for older family members who want to maintain their independence, with the added benefit of having close links to the main house for that much-needed support and care in their later years. Many people who live within a protected area, such as a Conservation Area, an AONB, the Broads, National Parks or even Listed Buildings, believe this growing trend is not available to them, on top of the planning restrictions in place. However, Homelodge has an excellent solution if you are considering a garden granny annexe.

This article will provide you with essential information about the restrictions surrounding protected areas of land and explore ways to overcome these challenges. We’ll also demonstrate how Homelodge can assist you in navigating the process of building a granny annexe in your garden while adhering to planning regulations.

What areas of land are protected?

Certain areas of land are designated areas where permitted development rights under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order are removed or restricted. These include land within a National Park, the Broads, an area of outstanding natural beauty, an area designated as a conservation area, and land within World Heritage Sites.

Why are there planning restrictions in protected areas?

Protected areas are there to safeguard the landscape and buildings of historic significance and preserve the Great British countryside, such as the New Forest, National Park, or Green Belt land. This is to ensure we maintain, or even improve on, the biodiversity and wildlife for future generations.

As a result, stricter rules and regulations are in place to enable their security. Local planning policies are tailored to control development in each area and are designed to ensure new development is more sustainable and sensitive to its surroundings.

So, if you have been advised that your local authority will not accept any development on your property, but you would like a garden granny annexe, then give us a call and speak to one of our planning experts. We will review your site and needs and advise you on how we can build a granny annexe, lawfully for you.

How to overcome planning challenges with Homelodge

At Homelodge, we have a unique proposition for you! We have been established since 1986 and have a 100% success rate with installing an ancillary annexe within a domestic curtilage (garden).

We are experts in our field and have installed over a thousand annexes that have not needed planning permission. We will handle all negotiations with your Local Planning Authority and cut through the red tape. That said, if you are wanting advice on biodiversity, conservation and sustainability, we work closely with a conservation and ecology consultant, and we can incorporate environmental solutions that will enhance the environment after your annexe is installed, but this will be your decision and not a condition set by your Local Authority.

So, how do we do this? All our annexes are engineered to conform to the requirements of the Mobile Home Act and BS3632:2023. Providing the annexe is sited within the domestic curtilage and used as ancillary accommodation to the main dwelling house, planning permission is not required. For peace of mind, and prior to works commencing, we will always apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development from your council, thereby ensuring that your local authority formally confirms that your Homelodge annexe complies with planning law.

Should you be looking at building a granny annexe in a property you are buying, we can make this application while the house sale is going through and prior to contracts being exchanged.

Choose Homelodge for building an annexe in the garden

Building a granny annexe in the garden of your property, especially in a protected area, may seem daunting, but it’s achievable with the right team by your side! Whether you reside in the New Forest, a National Park, a Conservation Area or near a Listed Building, Homelodge can assist in designing and building a beautiful garden annexe tailored to your needs.

We offer a full turnkey service, including free site surveys, designing a unique annexe that fits your vision and budget, site clearance, external works, installation, and landscaping.

Contact our expert team at Homelodge today to begin your journey towards a more connected way of living.