🏡 Introduction
This Householder Planning Consent Application seeks approval for the erection of a new 5.5m x 4m freestanding single-storey outbuilding in the rear garden of the property.
The new structure will replace an existing 4m x 2m timber studio, providing an updated and functional space for creative work.
The proposed garden room has been designed to a modest scale, with an internal floorspace under 20m². This is proportionate to the 117m² rear garden, ensuring the new building fits comfortably within the plot without compromising the usefulness, quality, or openness of the outdoor space.
🎨 Intended Use
The outbuilding will function as an art studio for the property owner, who works as an art teacher. Its use will remain incidental to the enjoyment of the main dwelling, which will continue to serve as the primary residence.
The design provides practical workspace while maintaining sensitivity to neighbouring properties. There will be no impact on the main house’s use, appearance, or access.
📐 Location and Scale
The proposed studio will be positioned neatly within the garden, maintaining suitable clearance from surrounding boundaries:
- 50cm from the north-side fence
- 20cm from the west boundary
- 50cm from the east boundary
The building’s height will be 3.5m at the front (south side) and 2.3m at the rear (north side), following a gentle slope for effective rainwater run-off. A storage area for art materials will be integrated into the roof space at the front (south) end of the structure.
⚡ Site Services and Impact
The main house and studio will share all services, including electrical supply, access, and parking.
There will be no increase in traffic, parking demand, noise, or light disturbance.
The proposal ensures that no trees or shrubs will be removed or damaged during construction.
Waste and recycling will continue to be managed through existing household facilities, and both vehicular and pedestrian access to the property will remain unchanged.
🧱 External Materials and Construction
The design employs durable and sustainable materials to ensure longevity and minimal maintenance.
Specifications Overview:
- Foundations: Existing concrete slab with additional groundscrews anchored 800mm deep
- Wall Construction: 18mm cladding, 25mm battens, 95mm timber carcass, and 18mm internal plywood finish
- External Cladding: 13/3 corrugated steel sheets, powder-coated black, installed on 25x50mm battens (applied to both walls and roof)
- Insulation: External house wrap with inter-rafter insulation — 75mm in floor and roof, 50mm in walls, all finished internally with Superfoil wrap
- Doors: 2000mm x 1900mm French doors in anthracite grey aluminium frames
- Windows:
- 1000mm x 600mm opening window to front elevation
- 450mm x 300mm opening window to rear
- 4000mm x 1000mm corrugated GRP 13/3 clear window for additional natural light
The chosen materials and finishes create a contemporary, functional, and robust design, ensuring the building is visually appealing yet unobtrusive within its residential setting.
🌿 Design Philosophy
The outbuilding has been designed as a modern interpretation of a garden studio, aligning with the scale and character of surrounding development. Its dark, low-profile finish reduces visual impact, while the sloping roof and compact proportions ensure it remains subservient to the main dwelling.
The structure complements the established pattern of outbuildings in nearby gardens and is entirely in keeping with the area’s residential context.
✅ Conclusion
The proposed art studio garden room represents a thoughtfully considered addition to the property, replacing an outdated structure with a more efficient and visually refined alternative.
The building will have no adverse impact on neighbouring properties, the street scene, or the local environment.
It provides a sustainable, purpose-built workspace that enhances the homeowner’s ability to live and work creatively while maintaining the character of the area.
In summary, this proposal is:
- Modest in scale
- Respectful of boundaries and neighbours
- Sustainable and well-designed
- Incidental to the enjoyment of the main dwelling
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