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Permitted Development Rules for Outbuildings

Outbuildings are considered permitted development. This means that planning permission is not required, as long as the conditions are met.

Permitted development for outbuildings

Are there permitted development rules for outbuildings?

Permitted development rights allow a homeowner to make minor changes to the property without planning permission. Permitted development applies to a wide range of projects, including the construction of outbuildings.

Outbuildings are defined as being incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling. This incorporates a variety of structures, including:

  • Sheds
  • Greenhouses
  • Garages
  • Swimming pools
  • Saunas
  • Ponds
  • Kennels
  • Tennis courts and other enclosures
  • The keeping of animals for domestic use/personal enjoyment – such as bees and poultry

Although outbuildings enjoy permitted development, it is still necessary to adhere to the regulations. If you fail to comply with the permitted development rules for outbuildings, the project will be deemed unlawful.

Permitted development rules for outbuildings – advice

A solicitor will be able to advise you upon the permitted development rules for outbuildings. Amongst other things, for permitted development purposes an outbuilding must:

  • Be single storey
  • Not sit forward of the principal elevation
  • Have eaves no higher than 2.5 metres, with a maximum overall height of three metres, or four metres for a dual pitched roof
  • Cover no more than half the land surrounding the original house
  • Have no verandas, balconies or raised platforms
  • Not be built to the side of the house on designated land
  • Not be separate, self-contained living accommodation
  • Not be a container exceeding 3,500 litres in capacity

Permitted development rules for outbuildings in practise are more complicated than this, so if you are considering a specific project get in touch with the relevant details and we'll be able to give you more specific advice and help.

Outbuildings and large sheds built by neighbours

Outbuildings and large sheds that have been built by your neighbours can sometimes be obtrusive or annoying, and may sometimes have been built without the proper planning permission despite not meeting the permitted development rules.

A solicitor can advise you as to whether or not your neighbour's outbuilding has been built in accordance with the planning law relating to outbuildings, and how best to proceed from that point.

Contact us today

To speak to a solicitor about permitted development rules for outbuildings, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We specialise in planning law and will be able to suggest whether your outbuilding complies with planning regulations. If there is a breach, we will explain what options are open to you. Contact us on 01634 811 118 or complete our online enquiry form.