Garden Buildings Planning Permission

 What is Planning?

Planning aims to guide the way our countryside, towns and cities are developed. 

If planning is required, your Local Planning Authority for your area will consider:

• The use of land & buildings
• The appearance of buildings
• Landscaping considerations 
• Road access 
• Impact on the general environment

 

For more information please visit http://www.planningportal.gov.uk

 

 Do I require Planning Permission?

Simply put, no you don’t. As long as you do not live in a listed building or in a designated area, and you meet certain limits and conditions, you will be fine. Garden buildings are considered as a “permitted” development, not requiring planning.

 

 What is a Permitted Development?

A permitted development is a building that does not require planning permission.

 

Are there any limits to my “permitted” garden building?

It is not allowed to exceed the principal elevation of the original house.

• The proposed garden building and other extensions are not allowed to exceed 50% of the total area of land around the original house. Sheds and all other structures, including extensions, must be included in this 50%.
• The new building must not be used as a self-contained or living accommodation.
• It must be single storey. If the building is more than 2m from the boundary the maximum eaves height is 2.5 metres and a maximum overall height of 4 metres, with a dual pitch roof, or 3 metres for a flat roof.
• If the building is within 2 metres of the boundary the whole building should not exceed 2.5 metres in height.
• Flats and maisonettes don’t have permitted development rights.

 

 

 I’ve read the conditions for permitted buildings and I’m still not sure if my garden building will be permitted?

If you visit the Planning Portal, this will give you further information and also lead you to your local planning authority, where they will be able to help you further.

 

 

 I believe my garden building falls outside the limits for a “permitted” development, what do I do now?

Your Local Planning Authority is responsible for deciding whether a proposed development goes ahead. So, even if you believe your development does not fit into the required limits, it is still worth arranging a free of charge meeting with your local planning officer and they will be able to advise you if planning is required.

If an application is required your local authority will be able to send you an application pack with all the information you need. As an alternative you can also make an online application through the Planning Portal website.  This is very straight forward and all local authorities will accept planning applications through this method.

 

 

 What are Building Regulations?     

Building Regulations apply in England & Wales and they set the standards for;

• The design and construction of buildings 
• The needs of all people, including those with disabilities
• Energy efficiency

 

 

 Do Building Regulations apply to my building?

Building Regulations do NOT apply if:

• The internal area is less than 15m²
• If the Internal area is less than 30m² and is not within 1 metre of the boundary

 

Building Regulations Do apply if:

• If it is self-contained or a living accommodation
• If you require a toilet, shower or basin
• If the building is 30m² or over

If building regulations apply to your building, we can arrange this for you here at Garden Lodges.

Alternatively you can arrange with your Local Authority or a Private Approved Inspector for the building to be approved.

 

 

  What is considered as the “original house”?

The house as it was first built, or as it stood on 1st July 1948.

 

 

 What is a designated area?

This is an area which has been recognised for its quality, and policies have been put in place to protect it. For example national parks, the Broads, areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage sites. If you live in one of these areas, you will more than likely know.

 

 

 I live in a designated area, am I allowed to have my garden building to the side of my house?

Unfortunately, your garden building will not be a “permitted” development if you live in a designated area, and so planning permission would be required.

 

 

  I live in a listed building, can I have a garden building?

This is not considered as a “permitted” development and so would require planning permission.