Shed connected to house

[Joe Shmoe]

Hi, advice needed as I can't find a definitive answer.

Thinking of building a small insulated shed connected to the rear of my house. You won't be able to access it from the house, but it will be connected for reasons of aesthetics and a reduction of materials needed.

Planning portal says anything connected to house needs planning permission, but the shed would meet all criteria to classify as permitted development as far as I can see, so no problems there.

However, I am confused on building regs. BR say that anything connected to house needs to comply, but then also mentions things like conservatories and porches are exempt if original door remains and glass meets required standard etc.

So now I'm confused..... Porch is exempt, but my 3m2 shed isn't because it isn't really mentioned?

I'm all in favour of doing things properly, but digging out a 1m footing for a small shed in order to meet building regs is crazy. There is of course, the scary thought that house insurance won't pay out in the event of a fire?

Any views?
Joe.

 

[devonwoody]

Telephone your town hall perhaps asking some questions, then making a decision is most probably the safest way to go.

Where are you located also posted here might mean you could get more replies with experience of others in your area.

 

[Harbo]

Yes contact your local Planning Officer - I've always found them to be helpful?

Rod

 

[Grahamshed]

There is also the issue of permanence. I had a quote for a conservatory last week and he was talking about the fact that, up to a certain size, they could easily be dismantled and taken with you when you move so didn't need PP. So a brick shed may need PP wHere a timber one may not.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Forget PHONING anyone - get your rough drawings, sizes, materials etc. ready, be ready to answer any question anyone can ask, and go to the planning dept. You will get more joy talking over a table than you will over a phone - they are not the ogres they're made out to be!

 

[RogerS]

Forget PHONING anyone - get your rough drawings, sizes, materials etc. ready, be ready to answer any question anyone can ask, and go to the planning dept. You will get more joy talking over a table than you will over a phone - they are not the ogres they're made out to be!

+1

Both our planning office and building control operate 'clinics' where you can go in and talk to them. Ours in Herefordshire are refreshingly helpful.

 

[Tom K]

Would probably be classed as a conservatory which is posh word for a lean to. The doors remaining in place bit is about it not becoming part of the living accomodation.

 

[Lons]

Hi Joe

The advice to talk to the planners is good but not all authorities are easily available. Mostly due to staffing levels I suspect, some such as ours will normally instruct you to submit a simple pre-planning form (at a charge) which will be examined and you will be told whether formal application is required or not.

Apart from your worries about insurance which you would need to address with the company, I personally see no problem putting up a "shed" against the house providing it is within dimensions allowable.

The reasons for porches and conservatories being exempt is that they are regarded an non habitable rooms. They become "habitable" if heating is installed or alterations made to house access to them. They are additionally subject to part P regs if any electrics are fitted.

I assume the same rules would apply to your "shed" so bear in mind the electrics issue.

As a builder, if I was doing it (for my own use), I would just put it up and apply retrospectively if required but do not of course recommend you take that path and it's probably better that you ask first.

Bob

 

[Joe Shmoe]

Hi folks, thanks for all the replies.

It's not PP that I am worried about, as I am comfortable that it lies well within permitted development.

What I am confused about is Building Regs. Porches and Conservatories are exempt, so long as Electrics and Glasing are done to required standard, but this isn't really a porch or conservatory so I have no idea where I stand. Do I need to build to BR or not?

Cheers.
Joe.

 

[Lons]

Hi folks, thanks for all the replies.

It's not PP that I am worried about, as I am comfortable that it lies well within permitted development.

What I am confused about is Building Regs. Porches and Conservatories are exempt, so long as Electrics and Glasing are done to required standard, but this isn't really a porch or conservatory so I have no idea where I stand. Do I need to build to BR or not?

Cheers.
Joe.

Hi Joe

You still haven't said what materials will be used. There's a huge difference between brick construction and timber for example. As I have suggested already, IMO as a non habitable space, it would not be subject to BR but as recommended, It's probably best that you call in with some simple drawings (and photos of the location) and have a chat with your local building inspector.

I doubt if anyone on here can give you definate advice based on the info you've provided. I'm a builder and I can't

cheers

Bob

 

[Lons]

It's not PP that I am worried about, as I am comfortable that it lies well within permitted development.
but this isn't really a porch or conservatory

So............... How are you certain it falls within the parameters of permitted development Joe?
PP isn't just about size but encompases style, suitability of materials used in relationship to the property, intended use, possible noise issues etc.

Just curious

Bob