optimystery

I remember looking at live/work around 20 years ago, and it seems not much has changed. It's basically a marketing term for converted warehouses / loft-style apartments. I did find an interesting (and optimistic) article about it.. https://www.ribaj.com/products/planning-for-live-work-space-post-lockdown Old Jet looks nice, and isn't that Talvin Singh? Still, in the end it's probably more practical to be able to work in the garden without having to travel, and pop inside to make a nice proper lunch. If things take off I can always look at finding a second studio space. There's lots to think about as I might also want to be able to airbnb the place while travelling. The garden outbuilding with discreet air filter / extraction seems like the best bet, and the easiest. If I take on a big project it will divert all my time and energy away from making work Appreciate all the suggestions though 👍🏼

I'm keeping an open mind, but yes, I agree that finding a house with decent-sized garden that has class-E status, isn't in a protected area etc, and maybe has a garage already, probably the easiest way to go 👍🏼 Thanks for the replies. Now I know it should be possible and what to look for! One of the architects suggested applying for a certificate of lawful development before progressing with any build, which seems a good idea. Also estate agents should be able to confirm the status before proceeding with a purchase.

Tempting to consider, though I'm not sure the amount of work & stress involved would be worthwhile. I'm buying under £1m and want to be fairly close to a train station. I certainly would love to design a house though, as UK architecture is generally really awful - restricted by some of the strictest planning laws anywhere!

I have thought about that, but I'm also hoping to trade grimy urban life for somewhere a bit more quiet. Not sure where I would look for one of those except East London or on an industrial park! Also, the main thing is to have the living and studio separated by a bit of clean air. It's an interesting idea though, as most houses are not designed to fit my needs. If you have any leads on such commercial buildings, where to look for them etc please let me know!

Thanks for the advice! 🙏🏼

Gotcha, thanks. I think that answers my question as far as what's legal and possible. So, the building regs compliant studio of 50sq m should be possible if the garden and house is big enough. Planning permission might be required for adding extractiion. Does that sound right?

Yes, I am thinking this may be more realistic. 6x5m sq outbuilding plus a garage or double garage would probably work. Adding extraction might be tricky, but would only be needed in one of the spaces. Is your shed 5x3m?

Ok, I've checked some articles and it seems this was changed at some point, and now the 50% rule takes precedence, and there's no limit (in theory) I was originally under the impression that permitted development meant in practice, under 30 sq m, within 2m of boundaries and less than 50% of the garden space. And anything else would require planning permission. That's anecdotal though because you don't see anything bigger than 30 sq m on any of those garden office websites, and I wondered why. Maybe building regs approval adds so much to the cost.. Over 15sq m requires building regs approval, which seems to mean fire retardant materials?

Thanks, I am looking at Hertfordshire, much of which is outside the M25. Maybe as you suggest, if neighbours are not likely to be so close as to notice any smells or noise that might be best. It won't be industrial scale extraction, but would be needed even for acrylic (water-based) paints, which also smell when used on large canvases. And anyone using a laser cutter, even as a hobby, should be using extraction. Art is my livelihood yes, so having a functioning studio is a requirement. I've asked a few architects what they think, and will ask around amongst artists too. Sadly most of them just make work within what's possible in small spaces available.

Thanks, I will start checking local authorities, though I would imagine it could be like searching for a needle in a haystack.. not very common thing for people to do. Yes, it could be multiple buildings. I might be doing woodworking as well, so a messy room and a clean room would make sense. I didn't see information about what's permitted as total space with multiple buildings. Are there rules for that? I think if I could see at least one case study or details of such a project, then I would at least know it's possible. None of the garden office websites advertise or feature anything larger than 25-30. Perhaps an architecture website somewhere has an example of something bespoke but I didn't find it yet. The reason for asking the question is really to start planning a move - I don't know exactly where yet, as it may depend on which councils are more amenable, and where large gardens are available. I need to know if I'm barking up the right tree by thinking of doing this. Without any examples it's hard to know. If somebody has built one, or knows of one, has a link to an example, that would help me decide.

It's more about asking if such a planning permission request is ever likely to be granted? Do people sometimes build larger structures in a house garden, assuming it isn't larger than 50% of the garden space etc. If so, how difficult is the planning process, how likely is it to be approved etc And any other considerations that I may not have thought about, such as how a larger than 30m sq structure would need to be built

It was a general question. Apologies if this is more of a 'how' than a 'what' forum! I would assume a larger structure like this would need to be or would benefit from being at least partially brick-built, as well as timber. The question is basically about what can be done, assuming that I apply for planning permission to build something larger than 30m. I couldn't find any info or examples of such a structure in a house garden, and was wondering if anyone knows if it's even possible, is there any precedent etc.

Oil paints, thinners, laser cutting, solvent-based spraypaint (maybe done in an outdoor area as it stinks for ages)

I'm an artist looking to move up and further out of London, probably North London or surrounding areas with good rail connections. There's lots of information online about garden studio/office buldings within planning regs, below 30 square metres. Does anyone know of examples of something closer to 50 square metres? This is probably the size I would need, with at least a 3m apex. It would need to be plumbed with a washup area, and I'd be installing extraction for fumes too. I would be basing my choice of property on having a garden large enough to allow this type of building, and a local authority who would grant planning permission. Trying to rent studios around London is just not a viable option anymore - too expensive, non-ideal spaces, hardly ever available and at risk of closure at any time etc. If anyone has any advice or examples it would be greatly appreciated.