When does a timber building need planning permission? Many buildings will not need permission, but you are always advised to check first. Much will depend on the location of the building within your property. If in doubt, anyone considering an outside building is advised to consult their local authority planning department to discuss any proposal with the planning officer at an early stage.

Under regulations that came into effect on 1st October 2008, outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, not needing planning permission, subject to the following limits and permissions:

• There can be no outbuilding on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation
• Outbuildings and garages are to be single story with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof - or three metres for any other roof
• The maximum height is 2.5 metres, within two metres of a boundary, with no verandas, balconies or raised platforms
• No more than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings

In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the maximum area to be covered by buildings, enclosures, containers and pools more than 20 metres from house to be limited to 10 square metres.

On designated land* buildings, enclosures, containers and pools at the side of properties will require planning permission.

Within the curtilage of listed buildings any outbuilding will require planning permission.

*The term "original house" means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.

*Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.

For more information see the Planning Portal.

Building Regulations

If a building is to be used for accommodation, business or accessed by the public, Building Regulations Approval may well be required. This will have a substantial effect on cost and Timber Trail Creations Ltd  must be advised at the outset.

If the building is over 30 square metres in floor area, it will often need Building Regulations approval. However, farm buildings and stables are exempt.