“Can I build a summer house next to my neighbour’s fence?” – this is a question we hear a lot from our customers. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place for the answer.
Is there anything better than going out to your summer house on a hot, sunny day to bask in the glorious sunshine? But you won’t be able to if your summer house doesn’t meet the regulations and needs to be removed by local councils.
In this blog, our experts share just how close you can build a summer house to a fence in the UK so you can enjoy your outdoor structure, like a modern pergola or awning, without having to worry about breaking any permissions or regulations.
Can I Build a Summer House Next to My Neighbour’s Fence?
Yes, you can build a summer house next to your neighbour’s fence. However, it must be within certain regulations. For example, if the structure is within 2 metres of the boundary it needs to be no taller than 2.5 metres. If it is further than 2 metres away, the highest eaves must be no taller than 2.5 metres. These permitted development rights have such a restricted height to ensure your neighbour’s view isn’t obstructed.
The best bit? Planning permission for your outdoor structure isn’t always necessary.
Understanding Your Rights Before Building a Summer House
In 2008, the UK government brought in the Town and Country Planning Act. This transformed the way people can extend or build structures like summer houses in their gardens.
By simplifying the process, people can easily transform their space as long as the 2.5-metre regulations are met. It’s not just summer houses that were included in this planning clearance! It stated any ‘outbuilding’ could be built as long as it adds value to the home. Therefore, other outbuildings can include:
- Pergolas
- Glass rooms
- Shoffices
- Sheds
- Steam room
- Gyms
Any idea for a garden room you have, it can be erected as long as it is within the regulations. If you do want to modify your home for operational purposes, you will need to apply for planning permission with your local planning authority (LPA).
Let’s take a look at the regulations you need to consider before building your summer house.
Proximity to Neighbour’s Fence
If your summer house is within the regulations, you can build it next to your neighbour’s fence. This is true for awnings, glass rooms, and pergolas – all can be next to a neighbour’s fence. However, we recommend leaving some space between the fence and your summer house so you can treat the building and the fence throughout the year.
Restricted Height
As we have already discussed, summer houses must abide by the 2.5-metre height rule – whether that be eaves or in general. If your summer house is dual-pitched, the highest point should be less than 4 metres.
Limited Dimensions
In a similar vein, there are certain dimensions that your outdoor structure should be within. Your summer house cannot take up more than 50% of your garden and as a general rule of thumb, should not exceed 15 square metres in size.
Single Level
A summer house in the UK should be on a single level to comply with the regulations. Any mezzanines, staircases, or additional levels are not permitted.
Porches and Balconies
With this in mind, balconies are off-limits for a summer house. The same is also true for porches, as it mimics residential properties.
Property Boundaries
Summer houses should be at least two metres away from the boundary line of the property. They should also not be placed in the centre of paved areas of lawns.
Raised Components
If you are planning to build your outdoor structure on a concrete base, it cannot go above 300mm above ground level. This is true for any raised components.
Principal Elevation
Your summer house cannot be placed in front of your home’s front wall – also known as the area in your front garden that sits between your house and your street.
Lack of Sleeping Areas
There shouldn’t be any bedrooms in a summer house or be used as a place to sleep. Of course, if you accidentally have a nap if you use your summer house as an entertainment space like a cinema, who are we to stop you?
Residential Purposes Only
Summer houses can only be used for residential purposes. Therefore, any commercial uses will need planning clearance prior to business trading.
As you can see, there are many regulations to take into consideration prior to building your summer house. If you’re unsure where to begin, why not turn to the UK’s leading outdoor living company?
With over five years of experience and thousands of structures built, get in touch with our team of experts today to build your dream summer house that meets all regulations without planning permission!
When Will You Need to Apply for Planning Permission?
The 2008 act came into effect, it gave residents the ability to build summer houses and other garden buildings but anything beyond this will likely require planning permission.
It’s important to note, that if your summer house becomes a self-contained housing building it will then need planning permission as the structure then becomes housing. Some examples of when it exceeds a regular summer house include:
- Running water
- Bathroom
- Bedrooms
However, that’s not the only reason why you may require planning clearance. For example, if you have your own business and work from home, you will also need planning permission if your outdoor structure is a home office. If you are someone who works alone, this should be relatively quick and easy to get, but permission to meet clients at your premises may be harder to get clearance for.
It goes without saying that for properties that are listed buildings – whether that be Grade I, Grade II*, or Grade II – planning permission will be needed to build on these properties.
There are various other reasons that you may need planning permission for your summer house. These reasons include:
- Keeping animals such as cattle for production
- Designated land like conservation areas and national parks
- Woodlands
- Other laws are in place
What Happens If I Don’t Meet Regulations on My Summer House?
Before beginning the construction of your summer house, it is always best to check with your LPA to confirm that your structure meets regulations. If you erect the building and it doesn’t meet these specifications, your local council is allowed to take legal action if they believe you have violated authorised development restrictions.
It is most likely that they will take planning enforcement action via an enforcement notice. This means you need to modify or even remove the building to meet regulations. If your outdoor structure is in the middle of construction a stop notice will be issued instead. This requires you to stop all construction on your summer house immediately.
If the LPA believes you made a mistake or didn’t have knowledge about permitted development rules, they will likely give you extra time to change your building to meet restrictions. It is vital you meet this time limit in order to avoid fines and legal action. In some instances, you may be required to completely deconstruct your summer house if it severely breaks planning clearance restrictions.
Ensure Your Summer House Meets Regulations with the Experts at Open Space Concepts
Now you know you can build a summer house next to your neighbour’s fence, it’s time to start thinking about the type of summer house you would like. It could be a modern pergola, a gorgeous glass room, or a functional awning. One thing’s for sure, Open Space Concepts can help you get there.
We specialise in the design and installation of tailored outdoor living structures that are sure to meet all regulations. Each and every one of our structures is custom-made and designed specifically to your requirements so you can get the summer house you’ve always wanted.
If you’re ready to make an enquiry, all you have to do is contact our experts via our online contact form or ring us on 0808 168 0043 and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
