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Log cabins are growing in popularity for many reasons, and it is only natural that many people want to design and build their own huts.
Although most construction projects themselves are fairly straightforward, there are implications to owning one of these buildings, and one of the main ones is ensuring you comply with all local planning permissions and regulations before you get to work.
Based on your own unique circumstances, sometimes log cabins require planning permission, and other times it’s not always necessary. There are several factors that determine what applies to your situation, and some of these can be quite nuanced, so it is important to understand the purpose and intended use of your log cabins before you start to build.
If your bespoke log cabin is being constructed as additional living quarters, then chances are, you will need to secure permission from your local planning office. This is because any structure that is used as your main place of residence needs planning permission. If your garden cabin room has full amenities such as running water and power, then this is especially true.
You will also need to apply for planning permission if you intend to use your log cabins for holiday lets, or as rented accommodation. In these circumstances, your building will be classed as a commercial property, and will need all of the appropriate permissions to operate within the confines of the law.
If you intend to have your log cabins build as guest accommodation, you will need to talk to your local planners as, again, you may need planning permission.
Other times your outdoor huts and gazebos need planning permission is if they have facilities such as a bathroom, a bedroom or places to do your laundry.
Talking to your cabin designers or suppliers can help determine how you use your space, and what elements can be included to help you make the most out of your cabin. This can also make life easier with regards to meeting the legalities of current building regulations.
There are plenty of times, however, when your bespoke log cabins do not need planning permission. On these occasions, your log cabins will be classified as permitted developments.
One of the most obvious ways to avoid dealing with planning permissions is to only use your log cabins for leisure time, and not as accommodation. For instance, an open or small barbeque hut could be exempt from planning permission.
There are other rules that may be adhered to which could render planning permission not applicable to your situation. Your log cabins, for example, should not be positioned at the front of your house. When it is located behind your home, it has less of an impact on the surrounding environment. If you do decide to place your cabin at the front, you may need to seek planning permission, as this could have an impact on your neighbours or the appearance of your immediate surroundings.
No matter the size of the garden or piece of land used, the outdoor huts and gazebos or bespoke log cabins constructed on them should take up no more than fifty percent of the available space. Making sure your log cabins adhere to this rule means that planning permission is not required. If you want to make your structure larger, then you could be subject to planning rules.
Other ways to circumvent the planning laws is to make sure your bespoke log cabins are of certain heights and dimensions. Permitted development of log cabins must be no more than two and a half meters in height, and this includes the roof. These size restrictions apply if the cabin is placed two meters or less from the garden boundary. These structures should also be less than thirty meters square internally.
If you think you live in a conservation area or a national park, you will need to contact your local planners. There are often different types of rules and restrictions applied to these sorts of geographical areas, to preserve and protect the surroundings. These laws are usually strict, so working with your local planning officers is highly recommended.
It is worth pointing out that different planning rules may apply from area to area. Contacting your local office to find out what specifically applies to your community is imperative, as is establishing and maintaining good working relationships with your planners. Showing planning officers your proposals and technical drawings is just one way of doing this. These simple steps will help avoid any costly mistakes, and help you to remain on good terms with your neighbours.
Find out more about log cabin planning permission in this handy guide.
Our team at Logspan are experts in their sector. Give our team a call or visit our store now to discuss your log cabins, and whether any planning permissions may be necessary.
