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 Melksham?
In Melksham, a garden annexe typically costs £1,850–£2,850 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £65,000–£100,000. Building costs in the South West are close to the UK average, so the figures for Melksham are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £44,500–£68,500 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £65,000–£100,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £90,500–£139,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,850–£2,850 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Cladding and finishes
- Access for materials
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Drainage connection distance
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a garden annexe in Melksham?
Approvals for a garden annexe in Melksham 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
The work we manage on a garden annexe:
- Kitchenette and shower room
- Planning drawings and application
- External cladding or brickwork
- Insulated walls and roof
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Electrics and heating
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 10 to 16 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 3 to 4 months.
Building in Melksham
In parts of the South West, protected landscapes and conservation areas shape what can be built, so materials and roof forms are chosen carefully.
Melksham sits in Wiltshire, about 5 miles north-east of Trowbridge. We cover the whole of Melksham, including postcodes SN12.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Melksham
Does it need building regulations?
Yes, as it contains sleeping accommodation and services.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Melksham?
In Melksham, a garden annexe typically costs £1,850–£2,850 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £65,000–£100,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Does a garden annexe need planning permission?
Usually yes if it is used as living accommodation. Outbuildings under permitted development must be incidental to the house, such as a gym or office, not bedrooms.
How long does a garden annexe take in Melksham?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
Can an annexe be rented out?
Not without further planning permission, as that would make it a separate dwelling.
