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Outbuilding Rules

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  • Picidae said:
    When we were considering a studio/summerhouse, the supplier wanted to know if it was ever to be used for overnight sleeping even on a very occasional basis. If so, he said, it would have to be built to higher fire retardant specifications.


    Won't be used for sleeping..it will be a study or gym..
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    @kurani.ravi, you've wasted nobody's time. The truth is that councils work by the same "laws" but interpret them differently. 
    e.g. Some councils consider polytunnels to be "temporary structures" which don't need planning permission, but I had to pay for PP on mine. 
    Devon.
  • Hostafan1 said:
    @kurani.ravi, you've wasted nobody's time. The truth is that councils work by the same "laws" but interpret them differently. 
    e.g. Some councils consider polytunnels to be "temporary structures" which don't need planning permission, but I had to pay for PP on mine. 
    The rules are ambiguous..I am going to get hold of someone from council to understand it better
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Hostafan1 said:
    @kurani.ravi, you've wasted nobody's time. The truth is that councils work by the same "laws" but interpret them differently. 
    e.g. Some councils consider polytunnels to be "temporary structures" which don't need planning permission, but I had to pay for PP on mine. 
    The rules are ambiguous..I am going to get hold of someone from council to understand it better
    Very wise. I hope you're successful and get what you want.
    Devon.
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    When investigating the rules regarding the placement of our summerhouse I thought I would seek informal advice from the council. I was then shocked to see the fees they charge for informal advice, well over £100 if I remember correctly. Instead I studied very carefully online guidance, asked a neighbour who was a retired planning officer, and discussed the options with the manufacturers, Scott’s of Thrapston, who were very knowledgeable and very helpful.

    I was also careful to share the plans with the neighbours so they were fully briefed. 
    Rutland, England
  • Picidae said:
    When investigating the rules regarding the placement of our summerhouse I thought I would seek informal advice from the council. I was then shocked to see the fees they charge for informal advice, well over £100 if I remember correctly. Instead I studied very carefully online guidance, asked a neighbour who was a retired planning officer, and discussed the options with the manufacturers, Scott’s of Thrapston, who were very knowledgeable and very helpful.

    I was also careful to share the plans with the neighbours so they were fully briefed. 
    Thanks..it makes a lot of sense..I will try to do something similar.
  • Just for the sake of completeness, (should anyone be reading over your shoulder k.v), not all houses have permitted development rights. If it's a new house, including if it's been converted from an older building (actually especially if it's a conversion), the original planning permission may withhold or restrict some or all permitted development rights. As WE says, there may also be restrictions or exclusions if you live in a conservation area, in or near a listed building, in a National Park or on green belt land.

    I think there are two '50% rules' - the permitted development rights one is about the proportion of the total land you own that is allowed to be occupied by buildings. It has changed a bit over the last 10 years, so be careful. You'll also come across local planning rules that say extensions and, in some cases, outbuildings can't enlarge the original footprint by more than 50% - especially in green belts
    Thanks I Will find out if my area sits in the green belt. Its more unlokelu though.. wonder while calculating 50% can we include the drivewag area too..
  • SuesynSuesyn Posts: 664
    We have made several alterations to our house including replacing a ramshackle wooden garage and we have e-mailed planning and building control before starting work asking if permission is required. Even if you know that it isn't it is useful to have that in writing in case regulations have changed if you want to sell in the future. 
  • Suesyn said:
    We have made several alterations to our house including replacing a ramshackle wooden garage and we have e-mailed planning and building control before starting work asking if permission is required. Even if you know that it isn't it is useful to have that in writing in case regulations have changed if you want to sell in the future. 
    That's a good idea..sometimes rules can be misunderstood
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Suesyn said:
    We have made several alterations to our house including replacing a ramshackle wooden garage and we have e-mailed planning and building control before starting work asking if permission is required. Even if you know that it isn't it is useful to have that in writing in case regulations have changed if you want to sell in the future. 
    That's a good idea..sometimes rules can be misunderstood
    and sometimes "the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing" or is that just our council?
    Devon.
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