Gaining Approval for new hairdressing salon in residential garden: what you need to know
Gaining Planning Approval for a New Hairdressing Salon in a Residential Garden: What You Need to Know
Opening a hairdressing salon can be an exciting business venture, but when your dream location is within a residential garden, the process becomes a bit more complex. A residential setting, while offering a peaceful atmosphere for both clients and owners, brings unique planning considerations. Before you can open your doors, you’ll need to navigate the planning approval process to ensure your salon aligns with local regulations.
If you’re considering transforming a part of your garden into a hairdressing salon, here’s everything you need to know about gaining planning approval, ensuring your salon is both a business success and a good neighbor to the surrounding residential area.
Understanding the Need for Planning Permission
The first step in the process is understanding whether you need planning permission for your salon. Generally, in residential areas, the creation of a new business or a change in use of part of your property will require planning approval. Specifically, you’ll need to check:
Change of Use: If your garden or any structure within it is being converted into a commercial space (such as a salon), this constitutes a change of use, which often requires formal approval from your local council. In some cases, you may need permission for a "material change of use," especially if the salon involves a significant increase in traffic or noise.
Building Regulations: If you’re constructing or modifying a building, such as adding a garden office or cabin to house the salon, you may also need to comply with building regulations. These regulations ensure that your building is safe, accessible, and meets standards for fire safety, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Permitted Development: In some instances, small-scale developments such as converting a small garden room or shed may fall under "permitted development" rules, meaning you won’t need full planning permission. However, this depends on factors such as the size of the structure and whether the changes affect the external appearance of the property.