Granny annexes – points to consider

 

Is this the solution for you and your relatives?

Granny annexes are a practical and fulfilling way to care for a vulnerable or elderly relative.

It’s not a cheap or quick fix solution but with our specially designed garden annexes and in-house architectural expertise, we can provide designs for a beautiful small home with your relative.

 

How big can an annexe be?

You don’t need a huge amount of space to build an annexe, but if your garden is small the annexe will need to be small as well – possibly just a bedroom and shower room. So discussions with your relative about downsizing are important. Do they feel able to live in a smaller space than they are used to?

Being realistic. A two bedroomed building with separate living room, bathroom and kitchen is a bungalow not an annexe. Your local planning department is very unlikely to give you permission for a bungalow in your back garden unless you have a particularly large house with extensive grounds. Even then it could be contentious.

However a smaller, snug and comfortable annexe is a real possibility.

Please phone for advice on the size and positioning of an annexe building.

 

Design considerations – making granny comfortable

Granny annexes by Insideout are architect-designed miniature homes with all the right fixtures and fitting in the right place for older people. Your local planning department and building control department will want you to build a well designed annexe that is appropriate for your house, garden and the local surroundings.

We provide a full architectural service and work with you to ensure your building is comfortable and well designed, suitable for its long term purpose and built to current building regulations standards.

 

Planning permission

Planning permission is always needed for a granny annexe or any building that is going to be slept in. Once we have designed your annexe and you have approved the plans, we negotiate with the planners and make the planning application for you.

 

How difficult is the planning process?

It all depends on where you live, attitudes to granny annexes and outbuildings with bedrooms vary significantly, depending on the local authority. In some areas planning permission may be impossible and in other areas the local authority will be positive about your application. It is important to check with your planning department at an early stage.

In July 2012 the government announced that over the next year or so they would review the difficulties around granny annexes and planning permission. So far, there is no news about the review.

If you’d like to find out more please call Lynn Fotheringham on 01524 737999