Planning Permission Advice

Outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, not requiring planning permission, as long as the following conditions are met:

  • The outbuilding is not forward of the principal elevation of the original house. The term ‘original house’ means the house as it was first built, or as it stood on 1st July 1948 if built before that date.
  • Sheds, other outbuildings, and extensions, must not exceed 50% of the total land area around the original house.
  • Any new outbuilding must not constitute separate, self-contained living accommodation, and must not have a microwave antenna.
  • Outbuildings must be single storey, with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of 4 metres with a dual pitched roof, or 3 metres in any other case.
  • If an outbuilding is within 2 metres of the property boundary, the whole building should not exceed 2.5 metres in height.
  • Raised platforms such as decking are permitted development provided they are no higher than 300mm above ground level.
  • Permitted development rights do not normally apply to listed buildings, or buildings on designated land including Conservation Areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks and World Heritage Sites. Some housing developments have also had permitted development rights removed. If in doubt, consult your local authority planning department.

Customers should be aware that, if a proposed outbuilding does not meet these criteria, it does not necessarily mean that it cannot be built. It may, however, mean that the local authority will require a planning application to assess the development on its own merits.

For further planning advice from Gov.uk Planning Portal, click here.

If in doubt or you need further advice – we can provide experienced expert guidance, free of charge.

Call 01483 224 186 or Contact us.

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