Do I need Planning Permission ?

Will I Need Planning Permission ?

Will you need planning permission ? Generally no, as the building is classed as a 'Portable Building', however it is your responsibility to check with your local planning office. Notable exceptions to the above are listed buildings and conservation areas. It may be that you need to position the building a certain distance from the house, or boundaries, but each area is different, so we're afraid we cannot offer accurate information. Other general guidelines are that it must not take up more than ½ your garden, it must be behind the building line, it should be 1 metre away from the boundary (although most buildings tend to be nearer than this), it should be less than 4 metres high (if it is an apex building) and should be 50 ft away from the nearest road. Check your phone book for your local council and ask to speak to a 'planning officer' to get the exact advice.

• No outbuilding to be forward of a wall forming the main elevation
• Outbuildings, garden sheds and garages to be single storey and less than 2.5m to the eaves (gutter level) and no more than 4m to the ridge (top of apex or gable end) OR 3m for any other roof.
• Maximum height of 2.5m within 2 metres of your boundary
• Not taking up more than 50% of the land around the 'original house'
• In National Parks, the Broads, and Areas of outstanding Natural Beauty, the area covered must be less than 20 metres from the house and limited to 10 square metres

• Building Regulations
• Will not be appliacble if the floor area of the building is less than 15 square metres AND contains NO sleeping accommodation
• If the building is between 15 and 30 square metres you would not normally require building regulations approval providing that the building is at least 1 metre from the boundary AND contains NO sleeping accommodation. Also it must be constructed of substantially non-comustible materials.

Another thing to keep in mind, is your neighbours reaction - always keep them informed of what's happening, and be prepared to alter the plans you had for locating the building if they object - it's better in the long run, believe me!

If you are in any doubt, you can get guidance on the government planning web site you best contact would be your local planning officer, or visit our on-line customer support area for further assistance.

Your Responsibilities
With all building work, the owner of the property (or land) in question is ultimately responsible for complying with the relevant planning rules and building regulations (regardless of the need to apply for planning permission and/or building regulations approval or not).