Buildings in your garden

The questions and answers listed below are relevant to the Buildings in your garden section only.

Click here for answers to general questions.

Q: Do I need planning permission for a building in my garden?

A: In most cases the answer is no, provided it satisfies all the criteria for Permitted Development:

• It is a freestanding building at least 5 metres from the house and not attached to it

• It is less than 4 metres high at the ridge

• It is at least 20 metres from the highway

• It is behind the building line

• It takes up less than 50% of the curtilage (garden) of the property excluding the house

• The house is not listed, or in a Conservation Area

We always advise that you check with your local Planning Office before proceeding.

Q: If planning permission is required, will Norwegian Log obtain it on my behalf?

A: Following a site inspection, we will tell you whether we think planning is required. If it is, we can handle the application on your behalf for a fixed fee. In any case, we will always obtain written confirmation from the local authority before proceeding.

Q: Will my building require Building Regulations approval?

A: Provided the building's internal floor area is less than 30 m², Building Regulations should not apply in most cases. We advise checking before proceeding. All designs in 'Buildings in your garden' are less than 30 m². Buildings over 30 m² are also available. These will of course require a full Building Regulations application, which we can handle on your behalf.

Q: Do I have to prepare my own base?

A: If you wish, otherwise our service includes providing a quotation for the base and associated works (subject to a site inspection, of course). We will provide a drawing and specification for the base on receipt of your order.

Q: Does Norwegian Log have any special access requirements?

A: One of the benefits of a Norwegian Log Building is that we can access almost any site. A walkway down the side of the house or a straight run through the house should be sufficient. We will inspect your site before confirming that access is adequate.

Q: Can I modify one of Norwegian Log's standard designs?

A: All our buildings are individually manufactured, so within reason we can customise the design to your special requirements.