Do I need planning permission for a garden building in Medway?

Usually not, as long as it's to the rear of the property, within the height limits, and total outbuilding coverage doesn't exceed 50% of the garden area.

How tall can an outbuilding be under permitted development?

Maximum 2.5 metres if within 2 metres of a boundary. Up to 4 metres with a pitched roof if further from boundaries. Flat roofs are limited to 2.5 metres anywhere.

Can I use an outbuilding as a home office?

Yes, as long as it's incidental to the enjoyment of the house. A home office counts as an incidental use. It cannot be used as self-contained accommodation (sleeping, cooking).

How much does a garden office cost?

A garden office in South East England typically costs between £9,000 and £28,000, depending on size, insulation, electrics, and finish.

Outbuilding / garden building in Medway: Planning Permission Guide

Your guide to outbuildings and garden buildings in Medway — sheds, home offices, summer houses, and more.

Check if your outbuilding / garden building qualifies

Outbuilding / garden buildings in Medway at a glance

88%

approved

£548

application fee

weeks typical

Based on 33 decided applications in Medway over 12 months (29 granted, 4 refused).

Medway includes or borders the Kent Downs AONB — properties in or near those areas are on Article 1(5) land where permitted-development rights are restricted. Medway has 24 conservation areas affecting external alterations in those zones. 47 Article 4 directions affect specific streets. 1,292 listed buildings recorded.

Council planning portal Pre-application advice

Want your personalised odds?

Approval probability, 5 nearest comparables, refusal reasons — for your specific address.

Get my report — £9 Sample →

Recent outbuilding / garden building decisions in Medway

The 5 most recent decided applications. Addresses redacted to postcode area.

Granted

Construction of a wooden garden shed with a pent roof. Replacement of existing developer patio with a grey porcelain patio, additional ra…

ME42026-05-14

Granted

Retropsective - 1. Existing rear window opening to be modified to install three door Bi-Fold door set with white finish to match existing…

ME42026-05-07

Granted

Construction of a single storey detached outbuilding to garden

ME42026-04-30

Granted

Conversion of existing detached outbuilding to annexe

ME22026-04-28

Granted

Construction of a detached outbuilding to rear

ME32026-04-28

These are borough-wide. See the 5 nearest to your address.

Get my report — £9

Permitted Development Rules

Class EPart 1

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

Max 2.5m if within 2m of boundaryMax 4m with pitched roof (away from boundary)Total coverage ≤50% of garden

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 limits

Typical Costs in South East England

Outbuilding costs range widely depending on whether you're building a basic timber shed or a fully insulated home office with electrics and plumbing.

Outbuilding / garden buildingSouth East England

Cost per m²

£1,100–£2,300

construction rate

Typical total

£9,000–£28,000

Based on 8–15 m²

Typically includes

FoundationsStructureRoofInsulationElectrics

Typically excludes

PlumbingPlanning application feeBuilding regs fee

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 estimate

Which 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.

Architect / designerOptional

Garden buildings and garages can often use supplier designs or simple drawings from a draughtsperson.

Typical fee: £500–£2,000 (Basic drawings)

Structural engineerNot needed

Party wall surveyorOptional

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))

Planning consultantNot needed

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 guidance

Conservation Areas & Listed Buildings

The same Class E rules apply in conservation areas. Total outbuilding coverage must not exceed 50% of the curtilage area.

Conservation areas

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

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 property

Frequently 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 Medway. For personalised approval odds and nearby comparables, get the full report above.

Free 2-min check

Related guides

Garage

GPDO Class E

Fence, wall or gate

GPDO Class A (Part 2)

Driveway

All guides