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, well-built 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 planning restricted 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. 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 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 local regulations.

What areas are protected?

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order listed six primary categories of restricted land under Schedule 1, Part 1, Article 2(3) Land. These are;

(a) an area designated as a conservation area under section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (designation of conservation areas);

(b) an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB);

(c) an area specified by the Secretary of State for the purposes of section 41(3) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (enhancement and protection of the natural beauty
and amenity of the countryside)(a);

(d) the Broads;

(e) a National Park; and

(f) a World Heritage Site.

Why are there restrictions in protected areas?

Protected areas are there to safeguard buildings of historic significance and preserve the Great British countryside, such as the New Forest or Green Belt zones, 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 ensure their security. Local planning permissions are tailored to each area and are designed to empower any new development to be more sustainable and sensitive to its surroundings.

Often, planning policies in these areas are designed to keep development to a minimum, especially when it comes to new homes, traditional forms of extensions or even regular garden buildings.

These rules and guidelines might include:

● Limiting visual and environmental impact.
● Preserving natural habitats, green spaces and biodiversity.
● Maintaining the historical value and rural character of the area.
● Preventing overdevelopment and the loss of natural beauty.

So, if you have been advised that your local authority will not accept any development and 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, legally 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 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 design in 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 an ancillary accommodation to the main dwelling house, planning permission is not required. For peace of mind, we always apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development from your council, thereby ensuring you have the legal documents in place prior to works commencing.

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 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.