Can I live in a log cabin in my parents garden UK?
Any structure built for residential purposes in the UK must meet UK building regulations. A log cabin built in your garden would usually be used as a home office, a gym, or just a place to sit and relax – although it is a permanent structure, it is not a permanent residence.
At Loghouse, we aim to help you with all your planning permission needs. We are happy to share production drawings of the garden log cabins, and we will provide all the information you will require to help you through the planning permission process in the UK. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
In general, any “development” – that is, construction of a building, engineering work, mining work, etc. – will require planning permission, but there are exceptions for “permitted development.” Your local council’s planning department will be able to give you the definitive answer on what counts as a permitted development. Still, certain types of home extension and garden rooms are usually permitted without directly requiring planning permission.
Do I need planning permission for a log cabin in the UK? Quite simply, you might! There’s no definite answer to that question as log cabins vary in size and shape, and planning permission requirements can vary slightly between local councils.
Please Note. The relevant planning department individually assesses every application, so please check with your local authority before making any purchase or commencing construction.
Please Note. The relevant planning department individually assesses every application, so please check with your local authority before making any purchase or commencing construction.
Planning permission for log cabins – Do you need planning permission for a log cabin UK?
There are many factors to consider, and you might wonder, “Do I need planning permission for a log cabin in my garden?”
If you decide to build a log cabin in your garden, the rules for planning permission are generally based on the cabin’s size and location, but there are exceptions.
If the log cabin was to be built at the back or side of your existing building, and if it does not take up more than 50% of the available space, you are unlikely to need planning permission. Similarly, if it is connected directly to your main building, it may count as an extension, which again may not need planning permission – depending on its size.
What size log cabin can I have without planning permission?
Across most of the UK, if the log cabin is within 2 metres of your land boundary, it should not exceed 2.5m at its highest point. You will need planning permission in Scotland if any part of the new building is within 1 metre of a neighbouring property and stands over 2.5m high.
Further away from the boundaries, the overall maximum height of the building needs to be considered. With an apex roof, the maximum height is 4 metres, while other roof types should not exceed 3 metres. In any case, the eaves should not exceed 2.5 metres. Any building under 2.5 metres high may be exempt from requiring planning permission.
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As noted, local authorities can implement different conditions, and the rules can vary between counties. It would be best to have a clear idea of the type and size of log cabin you want to build and the location you wish to construct it.
Do you need planning permission for a log cabin in Scotland?
In most cases, planning permission is not required for log cabins under 2.5m high, but again there are exceptions. If your land is in a “designated area,” such as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you may need planning permission no matter how large or small the log cabin is.
Do you need planning permission for a residential log cabin?
Can you live in a log cabin in the UK? While it is physically possible to live in a log cabin as all modern conveniences may be present, there is a legal aspect that also needs to be considered.
Any structure built for residential purposes in the UK must meet UK building regulations. A log cabin built in your garden would usually be used as a home office, a gym, or just a place to sit and relax – although it is a permanent structure, it is not a permanent residence.
When used in this manner, the log cabin won’t need to meet building regulations, and just the local planning regulations will need to be adhered to. However, if you (or a friend/member of your family/anyone else) want to live in the cabin, other issues will need to be considered.
Log cabins are considered non-habitable garden houses, and working/playing/relaxing in a log cabin does not constitute living in it. If you want to build a log cabin to live in, you will undoubtedly need planning permission and will need to follow the building regulations to ensure its suitability and safety.
No matter how tall they are or how much space they occupy, all permanent dwellings will need planning permission, and this applies in every area of the UK.
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How do I get Planning Permission for a Log Cabin UK?
If you discover that you need planning permission for your log cabin in the UK, you need to apply to your local planning department. While there is no issue with applying for planning permission for log cabins on your own, the team at Loghouse is here to help.
With any kind of log cabin, be it a standard design or a custom log cabin, we’re ready to assist you with the planning application process. We’ll even liaise with the planning permission team where necessary.
Applying for planning permission can seem like a daunting task, but we’ll do everything we can to make the process as simple as possible for you. Please contact our showroom or chat with us online if you have any questions.
Can You Appeal Decisions for Planning Permission for Log Cabins?
Planning permission for log cabins and other structures can be refused for many reasons. Some reasons might be the location of the proposed structure, its visual impact, and so on.
Should your application be refused, you can appeal through your local planning authority or via the internet.
In Scotland, you can submit appeals at http://www.eplanning.scotland.gov.uk/ while in other areas, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate here https://www.gov.uk/appeal-planning-inspectorate
We have experience in obtaining planning permission for log cabins of all kinds, so should you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to help you get any planning permission that is required for your log cabin.
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