I have a ground floor studio flat (999 years, share of freehold) which has exclusive use of the garden - a side gate to both the studio and the garden (about 40x40 feet) ensures this. The studio is at the rear of the house and adjoins the garden. There is a garden hut in the corner of the garden.I am thinking that a far more ambitious structure in the garden - such as a home office say 15x10 feet - would greatly expand the amenity of the studio. How likely would I be to secure permission to build - both from the local authoriity (Eastbourne) and from the other freeholders? Or do I even need permission?
if you are making it an office then it becomes commercial ..you need planning ...and you can bet there is a covenance to protect the other tenants .. nsult a solicitor
Consult your council's planning department to make sure, tell them the size etc,it's no good just putting it up, if it is illegal you will be asked to demolish it.
Talk to the council. Be aware that permitted development rights which apply to many common projects for houses do not apply to flats so planning permission is almost certainly required. There are usually specific restrictions on whether such structures include sleepng accommodation, and further planning limitations if the property is listed or in a conservation area. You will also need the freeholders consent - which I would guess is a separate company, no matter how long the lease - you should read the lease first to see if there are any prohibitions. How likely you are to receive consent depends how much garden is left, how close you are to neighbours and boundaries, etc and whether your neighbours (including other leaseholders) object to the Council. A good guide is to see if any neighbouring properties have managed to do it.
