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Do you Need Building Regulation Approval?

The following work does not require approval:

Buildings not frequented by people

A detached building –

a) into which people do not normally go; or
b) into which people go only intermittently and then only to inspect or maintain fixed plant or machinery,

unless any point of such a building is less than one and a half times its height from

i) any point of such a building into which people can or do normally go; or
ii) the nearest point of the boundary of the curtilage of that building.

Whichever is the nearer.

Greenhouses and agricultural buildings

1. Subject to paragraph 3, a greenhouse.

2. A building used, subject to paragraph 3 for agriculture, or a building principally for the keeping of animals, provided in each case that –

a) no part of the building is used as a dwelling;
b) no point of the building is less than one and a half times its height from any point of a building which contains sleeping accommodation; and
c) the building is provided with a fire exit which is not more than 30 meters from any point in the building.

3. the descriptions of buildings in paragraphs 1 and 2 do not include a greenhouse or a building used for agriculture if the principal purpose for which they are used is retailing, packing or exhibiting.

4. In paragraph 2 “agriculture” includes horticulture, fruit growing, the growing of plants for seed and fish farming.

Temporary buildings

A building which is not intended to remain where it is erected for more than 28 days.

Ancillary buildings

1. A building on a site, being a building which is intended to be used only in connection with the disposal of buildings or building plots on that site.

2. A building on the site of construction or civil engineering works, which is intended to be used only during the course of those works and contains no sleeping accommodation.

3. A building, other than a building containing a dwelling or used as an office or showroom, erected for use on the site of a mine or quarry.

Small detached buildings

1. A detached single storey building, having a floor area which does not exceed 30m2, which contains no sleeping accommodation and is a building –

a) no point of which is less than one metre from the boundary of its cartilage; or
b) which is constructed substantially of non-combustible material.

2. A detached building designed and intended to shelter people from the effects of nuclear chemical or conventional weapons, and not used for any other purpose, if –

a) its floor area does not exceed 30m2; and
b) the excavation for the building is no closer to any exposed part of another building or structure than a distance equal to the depth of the excavation plus one metre.

3. A detached building, having a floor area which does not exceed 15m2, which contains no sleeping accommodation.

Extensions

The extension of a building by the addition at ground level of –

a) a conservatory, porch, covered yard or coverec way; or
b) a carport open on at least two sides;

where the floor area of that extension does not exceed 30m2, provided that in the case of a conservatory or porch which is wholly or partly glazed, the glazing satifies the requirements of Part N of Schedule 1.