Any building control experts here?

hc25036

Having sorted the "permission to build over" problem https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2842994), I'm now confused by the detail of building regs.

The regs say that a shed does not need approval if it is more than one metre from the boundaries or is built largely of non-combustible materials. But, it is not clear if the shed is closer than one metre approval will be refused if is a wooden shed. The shed is 30-40 metres from the nearest structure (apart from a small garden shed next door). Any ideas?

blackshirtuk

can't help specifically but we built a 3 metre block built single extension to a garage less than 1 metre away from boundary, direct neighbours happy but someone informed the council of illegal structure, when they visited said everything was fine and issued a certificate.

hc25036

Thanks for the reply. I've no problem with making the application, but we will need to build to within 800mm of the boundaries (both sides) to make the shed a decent size.

What I really need to find out is what building regs will be looking for if the structure is close to the boundaries, bearing in mind the nearest house is more than 30 metres away....

iamcornholio

A shed between 15 and 30 m2 within 1m of any boundary will be required to be constructed of non-combustible material (or other method of stopping fire spread across the boundary) - at least along the boundary side.

If there is no neighbouring building close to the shed location, and it is unlikely that any will ever be built there, then you could ask to see if the non-combustible requirement can be relaxed

Timber sheds can have enhanced fire protection by using fibre-cement/calcium silicate boards on the frame behind the timber cladding

WillowCat

I wanted to put a timber framed workshop within 1 metre of the boundary at our previous house, planning permission was fine, but building control said no way to timber and made us build it in brick/block. Fortunately they told us that without actually making the application so at least we didn't waste the building control fee.

hc25036

So many possibilities here! I've found a spray that makes wood fire-resistant to some BS or another and I'm hoping Building Control will be OK with use of that. The shed won't be within 30 metres of anther structure and I'm hoping common sense will prevail.....