Is Planning Permission Required For A Home Office?

Workplaces have seen a real rise in people working from home since the pandemic in 2020 when working from home was suddenly forced upon businesses and workers across the UK. Some business owners have found that employees working from home works better for the business. Meanwhile, some employees have found that working from home makes them more productive. This has resulted in a real growth of home offices, but is planning permission required for a home office?

That’s what we look at in this blog post.

Is Planning Permission Required For A Home Office?

In short, the answer is no. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Are you using the spare room as a change of scenery when you are working? In which case there are no planning permission requirements.

However, if you will be having a significant increase in visitors to your property as clients and customers visit your business, planning permission will be required. If you will have items relating to your business, such as stock, products, etc, stored outside your home then planning permission is required for your home office. Significant structural changes to your home for the business will also require planning permission. If you have advertisements, such as large signs or banners, planning permission will be needed for that too.

The key to a home office is to minimise disruption to neighbours. If there is disruption by your business within the neighbourhood, this is often what will lead to a requirement for planning permission. Common examples of this are the creation of more traffic in your area, the main use of the home being changed, or the property being extended. These are all examples where planning permission will be required for an office in your home.

Why Do I Need Planning Permission For My Home Office?

If you do not get planning permission where it is required, the council could get involved. When they get involved, they could demand that the outbuilding is removed. The council could also demand that the business ceases trading. This is why it is so important that you get the planning permission that is needed.

It may feel like hassle in the short-term. However, in the long-term it will save you a lot more hassle as well as money, time and frustration.  Why not speak to our property law experts? Our friendly team of property law solicitors can help ensure you meet all rules and regulations to avoid the risk of council issues in the future.