General planning permission is required for the erection of a building within the garden curtilage of a property if any of the following criteria apply:

1) The property is situated within an area of outstanding natural beauty, conservation area, national park or similarly designated land.

2) The property is a listed building.

3) The proposed new structure is nearer to the highway than the main dwelling. A highway includes footpaths, bridle-ways or an access road to a neighbouring property.

4) The proposed building is less than 5 metres from the main dwelling.

5) The proposed building is less than 1 metre from the boundary.

6) The ridge height of the proposed structure is more than 4 metres from ground level.

If none of the above criteria apply, then your new building will enjoy 'permitted development' and not need planning permission. It is always advisable to approach the Local Authority to clarify such matters and receive a formal approval.

Oak Designs are able to offer a full planning submittal service, which includes a comprehensive site survey for any buildings not complying with the above criteria. Our portfolio of oak framed buildings is generally very well received by Local Authorities, as our designs are in keeping with aesthetic appeal of the countryside and are crafted using local materials and labour.