Do Outbuildings Need Building Regulations Approval?

Understanding the requirements for your outbuilding is essential. While planning permission and building regulations are distinct processes, your new structure might not need building regulations approval under specific conditions. These guidelines apply exclusively to new outbuildings constructed within the boundaries of an existing property.

General Exemptions for Detached Outbuildings

You can usually bypass building regulations approval for smaller, standalone structures, such as a garden shed or a summerhouse, if your project meets the following criteria:

• The building's total floor area measures less than 15 square metres, and it will NOT be used for sleeping accommodation.

• If the floor area is between 15 square metres and 30 square metres, you are typically exempt, provided it does NOT include sleeping accommodation, AND it is either located at least one metre from any property boundary, OR constructed predominantly from non-combustible materials (meaning materials that resist burning).

If your outbuilding project does not qualify for these exemptions, building regulations will apply. In such cases, you must ensure its construction adheres to reasonable, recognised standards.

Specific Building Scenarios to Consider

• New Attached Garages: If you plan to build a new garage that connects to your existing home, you'll generally need to seek building regulations approval.

• New Attached Carports: For a new carport attached to your property, which remains open on at least two sides, you typically won't require building regulations approval, as long as its floor area is less than 30 square metres.

• New Detached Garages: When constructing a standalone garage, you normally won't need building regulations approval if its total floor area is less than 30 square metres AND it satisfies one of these specific conditions:

  • Its floor area is less than 15 square metres.

  • OR, if its floor area is between 15 square metres and 30 square metres, it must be situated at least one metre away from any boundary, OR built substantially from non-combustible materials.

• Garage Conversions: If you are converting an existing garage (whether it's an integral part of your home or an attached structure) into a living space, which is referred to as 'habitable use', you will normally need building regulations approval.