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The Daily Insight

Can I build a building in my back garden?

Author

Sarah Martinez

Updated on April 04, 2026

If you have a garden big enough to build another dwelling, then yes, you are allowed to build a house in your garden. You can then provide space for an elderly relative, give your adult children their first step on the property ladder, or use the new home for guests and letting purposes.

Do you need planning permission to build a house in your back garden?

What you’re building it for. If you’re planning to make your outdoor building a place to work from or simply socialise in, you won’t usually need planning permission (unless the dimensions extend as above). However, the use of your garden building can impact the need for planning permission.

What is a back garden development?

Backland development is a term used for land that may not be visible from the usual roadways. A backland site is usually a section of garden with road access at the rear or side of a property. Or it could be a plot of land in between gardens with communal or a private access alley.

Can I build a house in my back garden Ireland?

The regulations state that the area should not exceed 25sq metres, nor should it reduce the existing open space to the rear or to the side of the house to less than 25sq metres. You can build a garden room, a property in the garden that is less than 25 sq m in size without planning permission.

How do you make money building in your back garden?

16 ways to make money from your garden

  1. Sell Herbs.
  2. Sell Edible And Decorative Flowers.
  3. Keep Livestock.
  4. Hire Out Your Garden For Parties.
  5. Hire Out Your Garden For Camping.
  6. Beekeeping.
  7. Seeds & Seedlings.
  8. Sell Organic Produce At The Market.

What can I build in my back garden without planning permission?

Outbuildings such as sheds, garages, greenhouses and some other structures are also considered to be permitted development. You can build a garage or outbuilding on your property without planning permission as long as it’s of a reasonable size – no higher than 4 metres.

How much of your garden can you build on?

You can build up to 50% of the area of all your garden. The area of your garden is all your land except the part the house stands on, so the area includes the front garden, side gardens and back garden, less the area of any other buildings, fuel tanks etc.

Can you build a granny flat in your back garden?

So the answer to ‘can you build a granny annexe? ‘ – yes you can, however it would require planning permission for self living with a bedroom, bathroom etc, unless converting from an established outbuilding.

Can I build a granny flat in my back garden Ireland?

If you own the property or have a mortgage on it, it is very likely that you can indeed build a granny flat in your back garden. Planning permission may be required (see below) but in general, there should be no issue. If you rent your home, you will need to discuss any changes like this with your landlord.

What can I grow in my garden to make money?

Make Money Gardening: 29 Ideas To Start Earning Now!

  • Sell plants. If you’re already starting your own plants from seed, then this one is a no-brainer!
  • Sell seeds.
  • Sell fresh or dried culinary herbs.
  • Make culinary herbal salts and oils.
  • Sell fresh or dried medicinal herbs.
  • Make tea blends.
  • Grow mushrooms.
  • Sell produce.

What can you grow at home to make money?

8 Most Profitable Plants To Grow

  • Bamboo. Landscapers and homeowners are paying as much as $150 each for potted bamboo plants, and many growers are finding it hard to keep up with the demand.
  • Flowers.
  • Ginseng.
  • Ground Covers.
  • Herbs.
  • Landscaping Trees and Shrubs.
  • Mushrooms.
  • Ornamental Grasses.

Is it legal to build a back garden or backland?

Where development of back garden or backland is allowed it will require careful planning. For example, there must be proper means of access which is convenient and safe for both drivers and pedestrians and adequate provision for car parking.

What is the minimum back-to-back distance for new developments?

Some councils have minimum separation distances for new developments written into their policies – and figures of around 20m to 22m might be given as the smallest back-to-back distance for new properties.

Is the tide turning for gardens in built-up areas?

Government planning policy then specifically excluded gardens in built-up areas from the definition of previously developed land. But the pressure is on for increased levels of new housing, with guidance in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) seeking to significantly boost the supply. In fact, there are signs the tide is turning again.

What is the difference between tandem and backland development?

Backland development is generally the more comprehensive development of land behind an existing frontage whilst tandem development is generally the placing of one dwelling behind another within a single plot.