What is a garden annexe?

A garden annexe is a single-storey building in the garden with its own living space, bathroom and often a kitchenette, used by relatives, older children or guests. Unlike a garden room, it is built as habitable accommodation with foundations, insulation and services.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Belper?
In Belper, a garden annexe typically costs £1,700–£2,650 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £59,500–£93,000. That range is adjusted for the East Midlands, where domestic building work typically costs around 5% below the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £41,000–£63,500 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £59,500–£93,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £83,500–£130,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,700–£2,650 |
What moves the price most:
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Drainage connection distance
- Size and layout
- Cladding and finishes
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a garden annexe in Belper?
Approvals for a garden annexe in Belper follow the rules for England. In England an annexe used as living accommodation usually needs planning permission. Outbuildings built under permitted development must be incidental to the house, such as a gym or office, not a bedroom.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most garden annexes:
- Building control sign-off
- External cladding or brickwork
- Insulated walls and roof
- Electrics and heating
- Planning drawings and application
- Glazed doors and windows
How long does it take?
Expect 10 to 16 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 3 to 4 months.
Building in Belper
The East Midlands has a mix of red-brick terraces, inter-war semis and newer estates, so rear extensions and garage conversions are common projects.
If your home is in Belper or close by in Ripley, Heanor and Alfreton, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about garden annexes in Belper
Can an annexe be rented out?
Not without further planning permission, as that would make it a separate dwelling.
Who approves a garden annexe in Belper?
Planning matters in Belper go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Does it need building regulations?
Yes, as it contains sleeping accommodation and services.
Will council tax apply?
Annexes can be banded separately, though discounts or exemptions apply in some cases when occupied by family. Check with your council.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Belper?
In Belper, a garden annexe typically costs £1,700–£2,650 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £59,500–£93,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
