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
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings for people to come home to... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
























