Your planning permission, managed by experts
Planning permission is often the biggest concern when people start thinking about building a residential annexe. At Habin, we take that worry away by managing the entire planning process for you, from the very first assessment through to final approval.
Our in-house planning specialists understand how local authorities assess residential annexes. We handle the paperwork, liaise with the council and guide the application carefully, so the process feels calm, clear and well managed.
Do I need planning permission for a residential annexe?
The simple answer is yes.
Every Habin residential annexe requires planning permission. This is because annexes are classed as ancillary accommodation, meaning they are a secondary home linked to the main house rather than a separate dwelling.
Our team includes experienced professional planners who manage the full planning process on your behalf. From initial appraisal to final decision, we ensure your application is prepared thoroughly and submitted with confidence.
If, in the unlikely event, planning permission cannot be secured, we will refund our planning service fee (subject to the terms of our agreement), so you are not left carrying unnecessary risk or wasted expense.
How does the planning process work?
Planning appraisal and site visit
Before any application is submitted, we carry out an initial planning appraisal of your site. This allows us to confirm whether a Habin annexe is feasible and identify any planning constraints early on.
Your planning application
Your application will normally be submitted as a householder planning application, which is the standard route for small-scale development within the garden of an existing home.
Specialist surveys and sensitive locations
Depending on your site, additional specialist reports may be required to support the application.
Working with the council
Throughout the planning process, we work closely with the council’s appointed case officer. We respond to questions, provide clarification where needed and proactively manage the application to keep it moving.
Planning conditions
Once planning permission is granted, the council will issue a Decision Notice. This usually includes a number of planning conditions.
Design and Planning Service Agreement
Once you reserve your Habin annexe, we ask you to enter into a Design and Planning Service Agreement. This allows us to formally begin the planning process and prepare your application.
Planning fees and costs
The cost of our planning service is included within your Habin package and forms part of your deposit. This includes:
✔ Design fees
✔ Preparation of drawings and statements
✔ Discharge of standard planning conditions
Important things to consider when planning a Habin
When planning a residential annexe, there are a few key principles to be aware of:
✔ Habin annexes are available in England only
✔ Your Habin must be built within the curtilage (garden) of your main house
✔ The annexe is classed as ancillary accommodation, meaning it must share access, services and address with the main home
✔ Some materials or finishes may need adjusting to suit local planning rules
✔ Limited design adjustments may be possible, provided the overall size and appearance remain compliant
✔ All Habin annexes are single-storey, new-build structures
✔ Habin annexes cannot occupy more than 50% of the garden area, exceed the footprint of the main house, or be positioned in restricted areas of the garden
