Outbuildings definition
Outbuildings are separate structures used for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse (that is they are not attached to the dwellinghouse), and may include structures such as:
- Sheds.
- Greenhouses.
- Garages.
- Swimming pools.
- Sauna cabins.
- Kennels.
- Tennis courts.
- Containers used for domestic heating oil or petroleum gas.
- The keeping of poultry, bees, pets, birds or other livestock for the domestic needs or personal enjoyment of the occupants of the dwellinghouse.
Outbuildings may be considered permitted developments, not requiring planning permission if:
- They are not forward of a wall forming the principal elevation.
- They are single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 m and maximum overall height of 4 m with a dual pitched roof or 3 m for any other roof.
- They have a maximum height of 2.5 m in the case of a building, enclosure or container within two metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the dwellinghouse.
- They do not have verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
- No more than half the area of land around the original dwellinghouse would be covered.
On designated land (National Parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites), outbuildings will generally require planning permission. And where they are within the curtilage of listed buildings, outbuildings will require planning permission.
Building Regulations approval will not normally be required if the floor area of an outbuilding is less than 15 sq. m and it does not contain any sleeping accommodation.
If the floor area of an outbuilding is between 15 sq. m and 30 sq. m, Building Regulations approval will not normally be required if it does not contain any sleeping accommodation and it is either at least 1 m from any boundary or it is constructed of substantially non-combustible materials.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building regulations.
- Dwellinghouse.
- How to build a garage.
- Outbuildings security.
- Permitted development.
- Planning permission.
- Types of building.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Top 50 firms awarded 52bn of projects in the last year
New engineering data shows.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
UK Construction Week, London is here !
Debuting major international pavilions and much more.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.