If you have a garden big enough to build another dwelling, then yes, you are allowed to build a house in your garden. You can then provide space for an elderly relative, give your adult children their first step on the property ladder, or use the new home for guests and letting purposes.
However, you will need to get planning permission for your new build. If your proposed design infringes on the rights of your neighbours, perhaps because it affects their privacy or outlook, then you might get turned down. If your new build is going to block your neighbour’s sunlight, then you might also run into problems when applying for planning permission.
Planning permission will also depend on where you live.

Your council will have a Local Plan that stipulates what is and isn’t allowed in your locale. You will need to follow the policies laid out within the document, as you will find yourself in trouble with your local council if you don’t. By checking it before building work begins, you will be able to formulate a design that falls in line with what your council’s policy dictates and you will stand a better chance of being granted planning permission.
To see your local council’s plan, visit their website, and look for it under the planning policy section. Be warned, however, that it might be out of date, so it’s still worth calling your local planning department to ensure that the guidelines given are up to date.

Getting planning permission to build a house in the garden

When asking your local council ‘can I build a house in my back garden,’ they will be looking at several factors in line with the policies they have produced. 

Space – Your house will have to be built on your land, so boundaries will be checked. 

Design – You don’t have to copy the design of your current home or the house next door but it will need to fit in with the character of the neighbourhood.

Privacy – Most councils will publish minimum separation distances for new developments. This is to maintain the privacy of your neighbours and to ensure their capacity for sunlight isn’t blocked.

Ecology – An ecological survey will be required if you have protected flora and fauna on your plot. 

Drainage – When planning the design of your new build, you will need to factor in a sustainable drainage system. The more sustainable your system is, the higher the likelihood that planning permission will be granted. 

Final considerations for a new back garden

Before you start your new build, you need to hire the relevant people for the work that will be taking place. An architect will help you with the design of your new home, for example, and you will need to hire a construction company for the build. 

Here at JVB Construction, we have the people you need to help you with your project. With an excellent reputation in the industry, we have the skills and experience necessary to build your new home. So, if you are granted planning permission, get in touch with us. That space in your back garden will soon be given a new lease of life with the home you are looking to build. But if you aren’t given planning permission? Fear not, an extension might be possible, so talk to us about the services we can offer you.