Householder Planning Consent Application for a modest, freestanding single-storey garden room designed to complement its beautiful surroundings in Sompting, West Sussex. The property is in the curtilage of a Grade I listed church and Grade II listed farmhouse, located in a conservation area within the South Downs National Park.

The proposed outbuilding measures 5.3m x 3.5m, with an 800mm overhang to the front and right-hand side, and a maximum height of just 2.5m. Inside, the floor area is under 16m², ensuring the structure sits comfortably within the generous 850m² garden without affecting the open feel or usefulness of the outdoor space.

The outbuilding will leave the main house completely unaffected serving primarily as a home office for the property owner — who works remotely — and secondarily as a yoga and fitness studio, entirely incidental to the enjoyment of the main dwelling. Although this type of development would typically qualify as permitted development, a formal planning application was made in respect of the heritage sensitivity of the site. The project will modernise and enhance the property’s utility while maintaining the integrity and charm of its historic surroundings.

This proposal represents a balanced approach to modern living within a sensitive historic setting. The outbuilding will have no adverse impact on neighbours or the conservation area — no increase in noise, light, traffic, or parking will result from the development.

Designed as a complementary and unobtrusive addition, the garden room aligns with other small outbuildings found throughout the neighbourhood, maintaining the area’s established character.

Most importantly, the structure will be used solely by the property owners for leisure and home-working purposes. It will not be occupied separately, rented, or used for commercial activities.

This project reflects our commitment to thoughtful, context-sensitive design that respects history while embracing contemporary lifestyle needs.