Garden rooms and outbuildings in BCP
39,903 applications since 1970. 30,093 approved and 6,359 refused. Refused: about 1 in 6 here, about 1 in 7 across the councils we cover.
Last updated 8 November 2026.
Without planning permission
- Single storey, not in front of the house
- No higher than 2.5 m within 2 m of a boundary; otherwise 4 m with a dual-pitched roof or 3 m any other
- Together with other buildings, no more than half the garden and grounds
- For use incidental to the house, not a separate home
England, houses only. Flats, listed buildings, conservation areas and Article 4 directions change this. The full rules.
Year by year
| Year | Applications | Approved | Refused |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 561 | 355 | 64 |
| 2025 | 560 | 433 | 99 |
| 2024 | 694 | 549 | 98 |
| 2023 | 722 | 517 | 141 |
| 2022 | 771 | 553 | 155 |
| 2021 | 713 | 567 | 92 |
| 2020 | 581 | 461 | 80 |
| 2019 | 554 | 422 | 83 |
| 2018 | 569 | 452 | 74 |
| 2017 | 621 | 484 | 92 |
| 2016 | 647 | 506 | 60 |
| 2015 | 633 | 489 | 60 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dorset | 39,309 | 7,144 | about 1 in 7 |
| New Forest (Park) | 979 | 70 | about 1 in 15 |