Covering Braintree
Braintree is about 10 miles north of Chelmsford. We also cover Witham (7 miles to the south-east), Chelmsford and Maldon.
Homes in the East of England
Housing in the East of England ranges from post-war estates and modern developments to timber-framed and period homes in historic towns, so permitted development checks and conservation controls both feature regularly.
What is included in a garden annexe in Braintree?
A garden annexe is a separate single-storey building in the grounds of a house with its own bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette, used by family members as part of the main household. Unlike a garden office, an annexe that people sleep in normally needs planning permission and full building regulations approval.
- Design and planning application
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Accessible design options for older relatives
How much should I budget for a garden annexe?
Indicative costs for garden annexes. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.
| Garden annexes | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Standard specification | £2,400 to £2,900 per m² |
| Good specification | £2,900 to £3,400 per m² |
| High specification | £3,400 to £3,900 per m² |
Planning and building rules in Braintree
English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.
A self-contained annexe used for sleeping and living normally needs planning permission in England.
What should Braintree homeowners check first?
- Drainage may need a pump if the garden falls away from the sewer.
- Council tax treatment depends on who lives there; check with your council.
From first call to completion
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
Questions about a garden annexe in Braintree
Do I need planning permission for a garden annexe?
Usually yes, because people will sleep in it. Outbuilding permitted development does not cover living accommodation.
How much does a garden annexe cost?
Around £2,400 to £3,900 per square metre including VAT, depending on finish and services.
Can you visit a house in Braintree to quote?
Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.
Garden annexes near Braintree
- Garden annexes in Witham
- Garden annexes in Chelmsford
- Garden annexes in Maldon
- Garden annexes in Sudbury
Learn more about garden annexes, or see every project we cover in Braintree.

