Outbuilding / garden building in Kensington & Chelsea: Planning Permission Guide
Your guide to outbuildings and garden buildings in Kensington & Chelsea — sheds, home offices, summer houses, and more.
Based on 34 decided applications in Kensington & Chelsea over 24 months (33 granted, 1 refused).
Kensington and Chelsea is overwhelmingly covered by conservation areas, with intense Article 4 Directions restricting external changes, front garden paving, basement extensions, and window replacements. Listed building coverage is among the highest in London, including large sections of Chelsea and South Kensington. Basement developments are subject to additional council policy restrictions. Professional planning advice is essential for any external alteration.
Recent outbuilding / garden building decisions in Kensington & Chelsea
The 5 most recent decided applications. Addresses redacted to postcode area.
Construction of a single outbuilding located at rear of garden.
Installation of metal gate between two buildings in the North Eastern corner of the site; gate to be finished to match adjacent site gate…
Replacement of timber windows and doors, excluding the communal front entrance door, on all elevations. Proposed replacements comprise ti…
Moliere building refurbishment works in basement kitchen including; ventillation; floor/wall/ceiling finshes; new catering equipment; new…
Erection of glazed partial infill extension, demolition of existing outbuilding and erection of new, replacement outbuilding
These are borough-wide. See the 5 nearest to your address.
Check your address freePermitted Development Rules
Buildings etc incidental to the enjoyment of a dwellinghouse
GPDO 2015, Schedule 2, Part 1, Class E
Outbuildings are covered by Part 1, Class E of the GPDO. They must be incidental to the enjoyment of the house and placed to the rear of the property.
Key dimension limits
These are the maximum GPDO limits for a detached house with no constraints. Your actual limits depend on your property type, location, and any planning restrictions.
Enter your postcode to see the personalised limits for your outbuilding / garden building.
Check my limitsTypical Costs in London
Outbuilding costs range widely depending on whether you're building a basic timber shed or a fully insulated home office with electrics and plumbing.
Cost per m²
construction rate
Typical total
Based on 8–15 m²
Typically includes
Typically excludes
A basic timber garden room is at the low end. Insulated home offices with electrics and plumbing are at the higher end.
Get a personalised cost estimate based on your actual outbuilding / garden building dimensions.
Get my estimateWhich Professionals Do You Need?
Most outbuildings don't require professional design. Garden room suppliers often provide designs, and a competent builder can handle construction.
A draughtsperson or architectural technician can prepare any drawings needed. A full architect may not be necessary.
Garden buildings and garages can often use supplier designs or simple drawings from a draughtsperson.
Typical fee: £500–£2,000 (Basic drawings)
May apply if the work is within 3 metres of a shared boundary. Check with your builder.
Typical fee: £700–£1,500 (per neighbour (if applicable))
This guidance is based on a typical semi-detached house with no special constraints. Listed buildings, conservation areas, and attached properties may require additional professional input.
Find out exactly which professionals you need for your outbuilding / garden building.
Get personalised guidanceConservation Areas & Listed Buildings
The same Class E rules apply in conservation areas. Total outbuilding coverage must not exceed 50% of the curtilage area.
Properties in conservation areas often have reduced permitted development rights. Some project types (like side extensions) lose PD rights entirely. An Article 4 Direction can remove additional PD rights.
Listed buildings (Grade I, II*, or II) have no permitted development rights at all. Any external alteration requires Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission. An architect experienced in heritage work is essential.
Check if your property is in a conservation area or has other planning constraints.
Check my propertyFrequently Asked Questions
Just want a quick yes/no for your outbuilding / garden building?
Run our free 2-minute check to see whether your project likely qualifies as permitted development in Kensington & Chelsea — your address, your constraints, your council's own recent decisions.
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