Expert Guidance for Bespoke Buildings That Meet the Standards

At Luna Spaces, we design and build garden rooms with care, compliance and clarity at every stage. Whether your outdoor space is used for work, relaxation or occasional overnight stays, we make sure it meets all relevant UK Building Regulations where required.

Not sure what applies to your build? We guide you through every step.

What Are Building Regulations?

Building Regulations are legally set standards that ensure any permanent or habitable structure is safe, compliant and suitable for long-term use. They cover:

• Structural stability

• Weather protection and insulation

• Fire safety

• Drainage, plumbing and waste

• Power and electrics

• Interior comfort and accessibility

• Compliance with UK standards listed under Approved Document A to S

Some garden rooms are exempt. Others require formal approval depending on their size, function and technical setup.

When Garden Rooms Do Not Need Building Regulations

In many cases, garden rooms used for simple domestic purposes do not require approval. Your room will likely not need Building Regulations if it:

• Has an internal floor area of 15m² or less

• Is not used for sleeping at any time

• Is situated at least one metre from any boundary

• Is up to 30m² and built using non-combustible materials

• Is single-storey, not attached to the house, and used occasionally for personal use

These rooms still benefit from proper insulation, electrics and finishing, but may not require inspections or certificates.

When Building Regulations Do Apply

You will need Building Regulations approval if your garden room includes:

• Sleeping accommodation or is used as a guest annex

• A bathroom, shower, WC or kitchen

• An internal floor area over 30m²

• A location closer than one metre to your boundary and made using combustible materials

• Full-time use such as therapy, rental, Airbnb or garden accommodation

• Connections to mains sewerage, power, gas or water

In these cases, Luna Spaces will manage the entire approval process through your Local Authority Building Control or an approved private inspector.

You will receive formal completion certification at the end of the build.

What We Do for You

A smooth, managed path to compliance

If your project requires Building Regulations, Luna Spaces provides full support throughout the following:

1. Initial Advice
   We confirm whether your planned structure will need to meet Building Regulations and explain why.

2. Specifications and Drawings
   We create full architectural drawings or structural documentation as needed.

3. Approved Submissions
   We submit all plans to Building Control, either through your local planning authority or via tools like Submit-a-Plan.

4. Site Inspections
   We coordinate all required inspections at key build stages and ensure your space is fully compliant.

5. Certification and Records
   You receive a Building Regulations Completion Certificate which can be kept with your property records or shared with your solicitor if you sell.

Why Compliance Matters

• Ensures legal and safe construction

• Prevents legal or insurance issues in future

• Guarantees proper ventilation, fire safety and structural standards

• Verifies water drainage, insulation and electrical quality

• Helps retain future property value and avoids retrospective correction costs

Building Regulations vs. Planning Permission

These two terms are often confused. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Building RegulationsPlanning PermissionControls how a structure is builtControls whether or where a structure is allowedRelates to safety, structure, fire, drainageRelates to appearance, size and neighbourhood impactEnforced through Local Authority Building ControlManaged by Local Planning departmentsMay apply even if planning permission is not requiredOften unnecessary for low-impact builds below 2.5m height

For more information, see our Planning Permission Guide.

Examples from Completed Projects

• A guest room near Lewes: needed Building Regs due to sleeping and plumbing

• A backyard office in Guildford: exempt due to size, use and distance from boundary

• A therapy studio in Tunbridge Wells: required compliance with Part P (electrics) and heating

• A garden kitchen-bar in Worthing: required plumbing inspection and approval for drainage

• A golf studio in Brighton: required noise insulation, heating and broadband input

What You Will Receive

With Luna Spaces you will receive:

• A detailed specification including compliant materials

• Access to architectural drawings (if applicable)

• Submission and management of all required paperwork

• Regular communication throughout the build and inspection points

• A digital Building Regulations sign-off and completion certificate

• Ongoing access to support and advice throughout

We’ll provide everything you need for your own peace of mind, as well as future sales or legal reviews.

Areas We Cover

Our Building Regulations support is available across:

• Brighton and Hove

• Mid Sussex, including Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and Cuckfield

• Lewes, Uckfield, and Wealden villages

• Worthing, Shoreham, Chichester and Arundel

• Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Edenbridge

• Guildford, Cranleigh, Godalming, Dorking and Surrey border towns

If you are within one hour of Brighton, we likely work in your area. If not, it is always worth checking.

Start with Clarity and Confidence

We treat compliance as part of our commitment to craftsmanship. If your design needs Building Regulations, we will guide you clearly from day one and manage the process entirely for you.

Ready to begin your garden room journey?

• Request a free design consultation

• Call us directly on 01273 020327

• Email hello@lunaspaces.co.uk

Luna Spaces. Built properly from the ground up.