Workshop less than 1m from the boundary

[colinc]

Hi,

In order to make good use of the available space in the garden i want to build a workshop/studio building closer than 1m to the boundary, say about 500mm for maintenance. It will be a bit under 30m2 area.

The rules say that if it isn't made of incombustible materials I need to get building regs approval. I would like to use a lightweight timber frame construction with preferably timber cladding. I am aware that it is possible to treat the timber with intumescent varnish to get external fire protection and can line it with fireproof plasterboard to deal with in to out. The roof needs to be AA, AB or AC rated and I believe that felt shingles are able to achieve this.

It is a lot of work for a couple of extra feet, but I'd like to give it serious consideration.

I was wondering if anyone had gone down this route?

Colin

 

[sasq]

I went down this route when building my workshop, but after speaking with the building regs officials at the council decided the extra expense and steps were not worth it, that 15m2 is big enough for me.

If I remember correctly he suggested that the varnish may not be sufficient, and I really would need to be considering something like brick or concrete blocks.

Its worth a call, I have always found them to be very helpful.

 

[yetloh]

Eternit cement fibre boards are grade 1 for fire resistance, look good in a variety of colours, are maintenance free and reasonably priced considering the advantages over wood or plastic. I used it on my timber framed workshop extension which is only about 150 mm from the boundary and I'm very pleased with it.

Jim

 

[Clockie]

I think a little care over nomenclature is call for here, so as to prevent costly misunderstandings. The terms usually associated with this type of work are fire resisting, non-combustible and surface spread of flame. They are not inter changeable although one or more may apply. Fire resisting is allways quoted with a time. Combustion is always combustible or non-combustible. Surface spread of flame is a nightmare. All of them have specific test attached to them. To illustrate the point ,plasterboard is combustible, surface spread of flame class 0 and fire resisting to 30mins/60mins depending on thickness. I do not know where this gets us but it's what makes bureaucracy tick.

 

[MickCheese]

My wife works from home in a log cabin at the bottom of our garden. On one side it is less than 1m from a boundary fence.

In my experience I would keep a good distance from any boundary fence as there is little air movement and it never gets any sun so is almost always damp, a big mistake by me I think. Maintaining that side is very difficult. If we get new neighbours then I am concerned we may get some trouble.

So I would suggest you keep that 1m gap with the boundary.

Mick

 

[Dibs-h]

What if it isn't permanent? i.e. sits on pads\piers and could with (some) effort be moved? Like a garden shed but "bigger!" :wink:

Dibs

 

[colinc]

Hi,

thanks for your comments. I am going to speak to an independant building inspector about it although I have almost resolved myself to wasting some space behind it to get >1m as it simplifies things. I do think that I'll go for planning though and put a pitched roof on it as that doesn't seem too much trouble and they have already indicated that if I use appropriate materials it shouldn't be a problem.

Colin

 

[Dibs-h]

Hi,

thanks for your comments. I am going to speak to an independant building inspector about it although I have almost resolved myself to wasting some space behind it to get >1m as it simplifies things. I do think that I'll go for planning though and put a pitched roof on it as that doesn't seem too much trouble and they have already indicated that if I use appropriate materials it shouldn't be a problem.

Colin

My understanding is that you don't have to use the Local Council's Inspectors anymore - you can go with an Independent one and get a cert for the work.

HIH

Dibs