Exempt Buildings
The following building works are deemed to be exempt and do not require an application under those Building Regulations.
Greenhouses and agricultural buildings
- Subject to paragraph 3, a greenhouse.
- 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 metres from any point in the building.
- 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.
- In paragraph 2, “agriculture” includes horticulture, fruit growing, the growing of plants for seed and fish farming.
Small detached buildings
- 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 curtilage; or
(b)which is constructed substantially of non-combustible material.
- 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.
- 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 where the floor area of that extension does not exceed 30m2
(a) a conservatory, or porch, provided that in the case of a conservatory or porch which is wholly or partly glazed, the glazing satisfies the requirements of Part K for safety glazing ie Toughened or laminated glass is used in critical areas and the existing separation between the main house and the new building is to remain, i.e. windows and doors are unchanged. Any heating should also be independent from the main house. In the case of a conservatory has a total of more than 75% glazed area to the roof and 50% glazed area to the walls
(b)a carport open on at least two sides; or
(c) a covered way or covered yard
