Do I need planning permission for a granny annexe in Bishop’s Stortford?
It depends on three things, whether the structure genuinely qualifies as a caravan under the Caravan Sites Act, whether it stays incidental to the house under permitted development, or whether it’s a self-contained dwelling, which almost always needs a full application in Bishop’s Stortford.
What is the Caravan Act route for a Bishop’s Stortford annexe?
Under the Caravan Sites Act 1968, a structure qualifies as a caravan if it’s capable of being moved by road in no more than two sections, and doesn’t exceed 20 metres in length, 6.8 metres in width, or 3.05 metres in internal height, Bishop’s Stortford annexes meeting this can often avoid planning permission if they stay ancillary to the house.
Can I use permitted development for a Bishop’s Stortford annexe?
Only if it stays genuinely incidental to the house, Bishop’s Stortford outbuildings under Class E permitted development cannot be separate, self-contained living accommodation, the moment sleeping facilities are used independently, permitted development stops applying.
What counts as a self-contained annexe in Bishop’s Stortford?
A Bishop’s Stortford annexe with its own bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, used independently of the main house rather than as shared accommodation, is generally treated as self-contained, which usually means full planning permission is needed.
Do I need a Lawful Development Certificate for my Bishop’s Stortford annexe?
We recommend it, even where your Bishop’s Stortford annexe genuinely qualifies as a caravan or permitted development, a Lawful Development Certificate gives you written confirmation rather than an assumption that could cause problems later, particularly when selling.
Can you handle planning and building regulations for my Bishop’s Stortford annexe?
Yes, we handle the full picture for Bishop’s Stortford annexe projects, the planning route, whichever applies, and building regulations compliance, as one coordinated service.
