Navigating the world of planning permission can be tasking for even the most experienced. We understand that if you’re looking into oak framed buildings and are new to it all, it can be all the more perplexing, so this week we’ve put together the following helpful guide for you. Read on for more about planning permission and permitted development for oak framed buildings.
What is permitted development?
Permitted development rights offer homeowners the chance to carry out work without planning permission. Most properties have these rights but it’s also essential to check with your local planning authority. Permitted development rights also fall under several different categories, ranging from house extensions to additions to roofs, porches and oak outbuildings. May of this year saw new regulations for permitted development so homeowners can now benefit from larger extensions without the need for planning permission. These new measures will certainly help families who wish to enjoy an oak framed extension as they’re now able to extend their properties with complete peace of mind instead of battling through red-tape.
Advice for oak framed homes
Oak framed buildings, such as houses, will require planning permission from your local authority. Approval will also depend on the design and the local vernacular which is a term that links a building style to its particular region. If you’re unsure as to whether you’ll be granted planning, you can apply for Outline Planning Permission which lets you know, at an early stage, if your oak frame building is likely to be approved. It is also possible to engage with informal Pre-application Advice to get a steer on your potential project, before developing plans in detail. Full or detailed planning permission, however, is needed before any building work can start. This would also include room dimensions and any materials but this permission is only valid for three years. If you intend to include a timber framed garage with your proposed self-build it can be included in the same planning application as long as it is on the plans.
Planning a timber framed extension From May 2019 the increased size limits for single storey rear extensions have now been made permanent by the government. This means that larger oak framed extension can be built under permitted development. For detached properties, a single storey extension can now project 8 metres from the rear of the house, and 6 for all other types of houses. There are, however, guidelines to meet for conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms. To avoid needing planning permission your new oak building should cover no more than half the area of land around the original house and meet specific requirements with regards to the overall heights proposed.
The latest on oak outbuildings
For oak framed garages and other outbuildings like stables and garden barns, a few factors will depend on whether it falls under permitted development rights. The general rule of thumb is that all outbuildings and garages should be single storey. They should also have a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and an overall height of 4 metres maximum. National Parks and conservation areas can also be subject to stricter rulings and with any development, you should also consider the Wildlife Assessment Check.
What is a Wildlife Assessment Check?
According to the Partnership for Biodiversity in Planning, one in ten UK species are threatened with extinction so to prevent any development projects impacting on wildlife The Wildlife Assessment Check was devised. This tool is key for identifying whether there are any protected species where work is to take place. It’s also for homeowners and smaller developers alike who may be unaware of this statutory requirement.
Other useful resources
When it comes to planning resources for oak framed buildings there are plenty of useful tools available. Plotfinder, for instance, can save you the legwork by providing access to already approved opportunities. There’s also the Planning Portal which makes things simple with online applications and an interactive house. They also have many mini-guides which can help you decide whether your build will fall under permitted development.
Thank you for reading this week’s post: a guide to planning for oak framed buildings. We’re pretty sure the new permitted development rights have had homeowners cheering up and down the country! If you’d like to discuss a timber framed building, at Oakwrights, we’d love to help. Who knows? You may not even need permission – please get in touch to discuss your plans!
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