Planning Permission

Understanding the log cabin planning permission rules can be difficult and daunting.  Our clear and comprehensive guide makes it easy to understand what the rules are, and what log cabins you can construct in your property without planning permission.

Note:  This page, and all of the information we give is a guide, based on our 20 years of experience.  Ultimately, planning permission for your property and building is your responsibility.  We’re always happy to help, but if you are in doubt, contact your local planning office.

Log cabin planning permission explained

Here’s some important information before we get started

  • The UK government have a Planning Permission Portal – It’s not the easiest guide to understand.  We make sense of it for you below.
  • Log cabins fall under the ‘outbuildings’ project section.
  • Gaining planning permission for any outbuilding, including a log cabin, can take a considerable amount of time.  Choosing a log cabin that does not require planning permission, allows you to construct your cabin immediately, without having to wait.
  • We sell a complete range of log cabins that comply with all of the outbuildings planning permission rules.  So, if your intended location for the log cabin complies with the rules, you can buy one of our cabins, and build it without having to contact your planning permission office.

Let’s explain each item of the outbuildings planning permission guide.  All of the details below apply to houses, not flats, maisonettes or other types of building.

 

“Outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, provided all the conditions are met.”

If your building and property meet the requirements of each of the following items, you can build a complete log cabin without contacting your planning office and requesting planning permission.

“1. On designated land* outbuildings to the side of the house are not permitted development.”

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

On designated land* outbuildings to the side of the house are not permitted development

In any of the scenarios above, you cannot build a log cabin to the side of the property.  Typically planners want you to build the outbuilding to the rear of the property so that it is hidden from general view.

 

“2. Outbuildings are not permitted development within the grounds of a listed building.”

Outbuildings are not permitted development within the grounds of a listed building

If your building is listed you cannot build a log cabin within the grounds without contacting your planning office and gaining permission. You will also need to apply for Listed Building Consent.

 

“3. In national parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the total area to be covered by any outbuildings more than 20 metres from ANY WALL of the house must not exceed 10 square metres to be permitted development.”

the total area to be covered by any outbuildings more than 20 metres from ANY WALL of the house must not exceed 10 square metres

If the property is in any of the groups listed above, the outbuilding must not exceed 10 square metres, if more than 20 metres from any wall of the house.

 

“4. Outbuildings are not permitted development forward of the principal elevation of the original house. 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).”

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).

Outbuildings are not permitted development forward of the principal elevation of the original house

You cannot build the log cabin forward of the house.  The cabin must be to the side or rear of the house.

“5. Outbuildings and other additions must not exceed 50% of the total area of land around the original house. Sheds and all other outbuildings (see intro) and extensions to the original house must be included when calculating this 50% limit. 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).”

Outbuildings and other additions must not exceed 50% of the total area of land around the original house

The log cabin(s) must not take up more than 50% of the land around the house.  You must include all existing sheds, log cabins, and other buildings built after the original house in this calculation.

“6. To be permitted development, any new building must not itself be separate, self contained, living accommodation and must not have a microwave antenna.”

must not itself be separate, self contained, living accommodation and must not have a microwave antenna

This one is a little unclear, but we interpret the rules as such:  It is OK to build a log cabin that allows a family member to occasionally sleep in.  However, it is not OK to build a log cabin that becomes a separate ‘home’ to the main house, with separate access, for use such as a rented holiday home or separate property.

The log cabin must not have a TV arial on the exterior, including the roof.

“7. Outbuildings must be single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of 4 metres with a dual pitched roof, or 3 metres in any other case.”

maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of 4 metres with a dual pitched roof, or 3 metres in any other case

This is one of the most important rule regarding log cabins.

To build a log cabin without planning permission, anywhere in the grounds, but not in-front of the house

  • It must be a single storey
  • For a dual pitched roof: the eaves (the edges of the roof which overhang the face of a wall) must be 2.5 metres and less, and the overall roof height 4 metres and less
  • For flat roofs: the entire roof must be 3 metres and less

 

“8. If the outbuilding is within 2 metres of the property boundary the whole building should not exceed 2.5 metres in height.”

If within 2 metres of the property boundary the whole building should not exceed 2.5 metres in height.

Just as important as point 7 above, a log cabin can be built anywhere in the garden (not in front of the house), even within 2 metres of the boundary, as long as the entire building is less than 2.5 metres high.

This is why our entire range of planning permission free log cabins are 2.5 metres high, and less.

“9. Balconies and verandas are not permitted development. Raised platforms such as decking are permitted development provided they are no higher than 300mm”

Balconies and verandas are not permitted development

You cannot build a log cabin with a balcony or veranda without planning permission.  You can build decking in front of your property, as long as the decking is not higher than 300mm.

 

“10. Containers, such as those used for domestic heating purposes, must not exceed 3,500 litres capacity to be permitted development. The other permitted development conditions which apply to outbuildings listed above also apply to containers.”

Fuel containers must not exceed 3,500 litres capacity

Fuel tanks must be 3,500 litres and less.

If you are in doubt about anything regarding log cabin planning permission rules get in touch with us.