Do I Need Planning Permission For A Summer House Scotland

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Summer House in Scotland?

Summerhouses are a great way to enjoy the outdoors in Scotland. They can provide a space to relax, entertain guests, or even work from home. However, before you build a summerhouse, it is important to check whether you need planning permission.

When Do I Need Planning Permission for a Summer House?

In Scotland, you will need planning permission for a summerhouse if it meets any of the following criteria:

It is larger than 25 square meters (about 270 square feet).
It is located within 20 meters (about 65 feet) of your house.
It is located in a conservation area or listed building.
It is located in a national park or other protected area.

How to Apply for Planning Permission

If you need planning permission for your summerhouse, you will need to submit an application to your local council. The application will need to include the following information:

A site plan showing the location of the summerhouse.
Elevations and floor plans of the summerhouse.
A description of the materials that will be used to build the summerhouse.
A fee (the fee varies depending on the size and location of the summerhouse).

Permitted Development Rights

In some cases, you may be able to build a summerhouse without planning permission. This is known as permitted development rights. Permitted development rights allow you to build certain types of structures without having to apply for planning permission. However, there are strict limits on what you can build under permitted development rights.

To find out if you can build a summerhouse under permitted development rights, you will need to check the planning regulations for your area. You can find these regulations on the website of your local council.

Exemptions

There are a few exemptions to the planning permission rules. For example, you do not need planning permission for a summerhouse that is:

Less than 10 square meters (about 108 square feet).
Used for agricultural purposes.
Located in a garden center or nursery.

Conclusion

Before you build a summerhouse, it is important to check whether you need planning permission. If you are not sure whether you need planning permission, you can contact your local council for advice. Building a summerhouse without planning permission can result in enforcement action being taken against you, so it is important to make sure that you have the necessary permissions in place before you start building.