Want a garden office in Winchester, Kings Worthy, Colden Common, Twyford or Hursley? Outbuildings can be quick, warm and compliant — if you plan them right.

At-a-glance PD rules (typical cases)

• Use: Incidental to the house (office, gym, studio). Not self-contained living.
• Height: Up to 2.5 m (any eaves) within 2 m of a boundary; higher set further in, subject to PD limits.
• Placement: Generally behind the principal elevation.
• Area: Outbuildings + extensions must not exceed 50% of the original garden curtilage.
• Conservation / listed: PD may be limited; check status in St Cross, St Giles Hill, Cathedral Close.

Services & comfort checklist

• Insulation & airtightness (fabric-first) for year-round use.
• Power/data: Armoured cable, Cat6 or fibre to garden building.
• Heating/ventilation: Electric panel or small ASHP; trickle vents/MVHR for fresh air.
• Foundations/ground: Pad or raft that avoids tree root zones; consider clay soils in parts of Winchester.
• Drainage: If adding a WC, check falls to sewer and build-over constraints.

Planning & Building Control

• PD applies in many suburban plots (Weeke, Badger Farm) — but verify.
• Building Regulations may apply for electrics, structure, and drainage.
• In conservation areas or for listed buildings, expect full applications.

FAQ
Can I Airbnb the garden room? Not under PD. Separate planning/use-class and building regs would be needed.
Flat roof or pitched? Pitched reads better in heritage settings; flat with a green roof can reduce visual impact.