Granny Annexe Spotlight: The Honeysuckle
Family Annexe offers six unique annexe models as exceptional alternative residences for your elderly relatives. Of those six models, there is The Honeysuckle.
Read moreArchive for month: June, 2022
Can You Build An Annexe In Your Garden Without Planning Permission?
A key part of our service here at Family Annexe is to obtain permission from your LPA (Local Planning Authority) so that we can build your annexe. And we usually achieve this with a Householder Application and the ‘Caravan Act’.
Annexes can transform the lives of many families because of the building allowing the family to stay close together. Plus, it provides peoples’ loved ones to remain independent whilst also having their privacy and own space.
So not only is the loved one happy, but also the rest of the family members. They can have peace of mind knowing that their relative is safe and close by in case they ever need extra support.
You can build your annexe as long as you stick to the permitted development rules.
Why Do I Need Planning Permission For My Annexe?
Granny annexes are often considered outbuildings and incidental to the property. This is something that dictates whether planning permission is necessary.
Annexes are deemed to be incidental as the reason for building is usually to provide extra space or a private area for a loved one, to keep them close and let them be independent. Being incidental just means that the annexe acts as another room of the house. Therefore, it may be built under permitted development rights.
But don’t worry, our team will be able to provide you with all the legal information you need to know surrounding your annexe plans. We’ll even get planning permission for you.
The Householder Application Method
Family Annexe’s preferred method of obtaining granny annexe planning permission is through a Householder Application. Most applications that are made are decided by a case officer. This officer has approval that’s granted by your Local Planning Authority (LPA). Each local authority has its own approach to planning policies and guidance. So make sure you know your LPA beforehand – find it here.
Although each authority has individual approaches, the actual process is the same across the UK. But if you live in conservation areas – national parks or green belts, sites of special scientific interest or areas of outstanding natural beauty – you will be given guidance by a conservation officer. They will be able to inform you of what is and is not allowed.
As mentioned previously, our planning experts at FA work with your case officer so you don’t have to worry about queries or additional information. We want the annexe process to be incredibly stress-free and relaxing for our customers.
Once planning permission is granted, a planning notice is issued. However, if the initial application is not successful then the FA team will review and provide reasons why. Sometimes, it just means fixing minor issues or amending the application. Typically, we will appeal the decision before moving on to the Caravan Act.
The Caravan Act
The Caravan Act was introduced in 1968 and specifies what a caravan is and what can lawfully be kept on your property. Luckily, our annexe models meet the parameters set out in the Caravan Act. In the eyes of the law, a fully functioning home connected to utilities can be classes as a caravan.
Because we aim to bring you peace of mind throughout this whole process, we do obtain a Certificate of Lawfulness from your LPA. This proves that your annexe is lawfully situated no matter where abouts it is in the garden. These certificates are also known as Lawful Development Certificates (LDC).
And should you wish to sell your property in the future, an LDC is very handy as you can show it to your buyers’ solicitor or mortgage provider as proof of lawfulness.
Our Planning Timeline
The planning application process takes, roughly, eight weeks.
Once your LPA receive your application, they will review it to check its validity. Then, when it’s been validated, your LPA will publicise and consult on the application. They will notify your neighbours though we recommend you do that beforehand in the interest of good relations.
During that time, your application will be with a case officer for review. Most applications are decided within eight weeks but they can take up to thirteen weeks if the case is more complex.
After those weeks are up, the LPA will usually give a likely timetable for the application. Throughout this whole process, Family Annexe will keep updating you and let you know the target decision date as soon as we have it.
Family Annexe: Contact Us
For anyone who wants to stay close to home and maintain their privacy and independence, an annexe is an excellent alternative.
Not only are they good providers for extra space, but they’re suitable living units for your elderly relatives or relatives with disabilities. That way, you don’t have to worry about looking for a house that meets your requirements. You tell us what you need and we can build it.
Reach out for more information on our services, annexes, and our efficient seven-step process.
You can call on 0330 1332 668 or email info@familyannexe.com. We’re happy to help.
Granny Annexe Spotlight: The Sycamore
Family Annexe’s six unique annexe models, including The Sycamore, are great alternatives for your elderly relatives.
Because all of our designs are adaptable to our clients’ needs, we believe our annexes are the perfect solution for your family.
In this Family Annexe blog, you can find out more about our annexes, focusing specifically on our Sycamore model.
Who Can Use Granny Annexes?
Granny annexes allow your elderly relatives to remain close to home for comfortability and security, helping to prevent feelings of isolation and frustration from co-dependence.
As we get older, we can become irritable due to daily struggles – things that we used to find easy and now need help with. An annexe can allow our aging relatives to retain some of that independence, but still being close enough to be given help when needed.
Our one and two bedroom annexes have a standard design that is adaptable depending on what our client needs. So if our client is hindered by mobility issues, we can provide the changes necessary to make sure the home is suitable and usable.
What Else Can Annexes Be Used For?
Not only are annexes great living spaces for our family members, but they are also great for a variety of other things, too.
Got a big family but not enough extra space? Well, an annexe could help with that issue. The perfect space for entertaining guests or children, hosting family gatherings, or just a family hang out room. You don’t have to worry about the burden of tight space if you decide to get an annexe in your garden.
Another brilliant use for our annexes could be a working space. Many people these days work-from-home, especially ever since the pandemic. And when we’re on meetings with our colleagues, it can be frustrating or embarrassing to not be able to speak without constant noise in the background. It doesn’t matter if it’s from the children, from technological devices, or from kitchen appliances.
Using an annexe as an office space helps to keep you organised and gives you the calm quiet you need to be productive and uninterrupted. For those who are self-employed, for example in costume design or photography, it could be your work base where you develop photographs or put costumes together.
The Sycamore
From £100,950, the Sycamore is one of our two bedroom annexe designs. It has a spacious kitchen-living area in the centre, also featuring a shore room, single bedroom, and a master bedroom with an ensuite shower room.
Taking a total of eight weeks to build, the process for the Sycamore is generally quite fast. This eight weeks includes everything – groundworks and services connections, right up to the last touch of paint. And you can even choose between the standard flat EPDM roof or a pitched roof.
Features & Finishes
The annexes we build come with a range of different options, both exteriorly and interiorly.
Outside, there’s a range of choice of cladding, roof tiles, doors, and windows. Inside, there is laminate flooring, lighting, and doors to choose from.
No matter the client, we want all of our annexes to be easy to use and safe to live in. That’s why all of our kitchens include LED downlights, and you have the option to upgrade your bathroom to a wet room.
The kitchens are also fully fitted (minus the additional appliances like refrigerators and freezers), where you can choose from our range of worktops, units, and handles.
Warranty & Certificates
When we get to work on building your annexe, we will either have full planning permission or planning permission through the Caravan Act. You, however, will also receive full Part B and Building Control approval.
Every single one of our projects has a ten-year structural warranty. That’s guaranteed so you don’t have to worry about covering any structural issues.
Why Family Annexe?
We have a wealth of expertise here at Family Annexe. Our management team share a collective of over 60 years when it comes to experience in construction.
Our work is important to us – we understand that the annexes we build enable families to stay together. To us, this is a responsibility and we take it seriously.
In order to minimise stress, we’ve even designed a seven-step process for the build. This process tells you everything you need to know, right from when we first get planning permission up until when we’re handing over the keys. Does seven steps seem too little? Don’t worry, they still allow us to prioritise quality.
Get in touch with us for more details regarding our annexes and services. The team is happy to help you. You can reach us on 0330 1332 668 or at info@familyannexe.com.
You can also request a brochure and choose between a physical and digital download of all our annexe models. (This is free, by the way!)
Granny Annexe Spotlight – The Bluebell
Get closer to your loved ones with one of Family Annexe’s six unique annexe models, including The Bluebell annexe.
For many reasons, we believe that our annexes are the perfect solution. Each design is adaptable to the needs of the client.
In this blog, we’ll tell you a bit more about annexes as well as place a spotlight on one of our models: The Bluebell annexe.
Who Are Granny Annexes Suitable For?
As their name suggests, granny annexes are a great alternative for your elderly relatives. They can allow elderly relatives to maintain independence yet stay close to their family. And that close proximity can help in preventing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
But they’re also ideal for those with disabilities. We believe that annexes are the way forward which is why our designs are very adaptable. Our one or two bedroom annexes are built to each individual’s needs. So if you need wheelchair access, we can provide that with ramps, wet rooms, and wider doorways.
On the other hand, our annexes don’t have to be a living space. For big families with smaller houses, it can be tough to have enough space. Whether it’s for eating or entertaining. That’s where an annexe could be a big help to your family – it provides you with the extra space you need. Now, you can have a space for entertainment, or to host family gatherings, or even just to hang out.
Not only that but it could also double as a workspace for those work-from-home employees. How does having an office all to yourself sound? Like heaven, right? The annexes we build can offer you an organised quiet space where your work can be completed. And if you’re self-employed, it can become your own little warehouse for everything that you need.
The Bluebell
At £61,950, the Bluebell annexe is very suitable for smaller garden plots.
It is the smallest annexe in our range but that doesn’t take away from it’s efficiency. After all, good things come in small packages, no?
It features an open plan kitchen and living area and a spacious single bedroom with an ensuite shower (or wet room, if necessary). As it is the smallest in our range, we’ve taken strides to make sure that nothing is taken away from this compact design. That’s why the Bluebell annexe maximises every inch of internal space – it comes with everything you need to create a comfortable, safe environment for the occupant.
The annexe area can be accessed through large front bifold doors or a side entrance.
Flat EPDM roof comes as the standard with this model but a pitched roof design is available for an additional cost and can be finished with a range of tile options.
Features & Finishes
For the exterior, you can choose from a range of roof tiles, cladding, windows, and doors. The interior includes laminate flooring, digital electronic radiators, joinery, lighting, and doors.
Every kitchen in our annexes comes with an oven (including the extractor fan), LED downlights and sink. You can select your own worktops, handles, and kitchen units.
The shower rooms are tiled and finished with premium fixtures and fittings as the standard. But if required, they can very easily be upgraded to wet rooms for practicality.
Warranty & Certificates
You will receive full Part P and Building Control approval, no matter whether we build your home with full planning permission or through the Caravan Act.
Every single one of our projects comes with a ten-year structural warranty.
Why Family Annexe?
Family Annexe has a wealth of expertise. In fact, our management team share over 60 years construction experience.
We’re not just building annexes at Family Annexe; we’re enabling families to stay together. We take this responsibility very seriously.
Our seven-step method is designed to minimise stress. Seven steps may seem very little but we prioritise quality over everything else – affordability is very closely second, though!
For more information on our services and annexes, reach out to us today. Our team is happy to help.
Phone us on 0330 1332 668 or email us at info@familyannexe.com.
Alternatively, why not request a brochure to see all our annexe models? (It’s free!)