Shed Planning - Mistake

theslice

Hi there,

I am looking for some advice re: planning permission for a garden shed –

A few months ago I purchased a large shed with the purpose of a home gym – the shed was 2.5M at its tallest and as I understand it, it is within permitted rights as it is within 2M of my neighbours on each side.

My neighbour pointed out that the bottom of the gardens in my street suffer from flooding in winter and recommended that I build a large concrete base to build the shed on. I contacted the shed company ordered one at a smaller height and had the base built.

After the shed has been built it is apparent that despite ordering a smaller height shed, I have been sent the original shed at 2.5M high The carpenter that assembled the shed mis-understood– This combined with the base now results in the building being approx 15CM over the permitted allowance.

• Now none of my neighbours have any issue with the shed in any way however I am just wondering what the best action to take is:

• Apply for planning permission – If I apply as if I have not built it, if permission is granted then there should be no issues

• Inform the local council and explain the situation? – I can explain that it was a mistake and ask for forgiveness

• Do nothing – None of my neighbours have an issue so there is no initial problem, am I likely to run into any complications when I sell the house?

• Change the ground level – My garden is on a slop downwards and the shed is at the bottom, If I was to level the garden then this would absorb the 15 CM. Clearly a grey area but could potentially work as the shed would be 2.5M from the ground

Not really sure what to do next? I am worried that by asking my local authority for advice then I am perhaps alerting them to an issue that they are unaware of.

Thanks

phoenix_w

theslice wrote: »

Do nothing – None of my neighbours have an issue so there is no initial problem, am I likely to run into any complications when I sell the house?

I'd do nothing and if it becomes a problem when you sell the house, and it's unlikely given the amount of sheds in my area that abut their neighbours houses and yet house sales always sail through, offer to take it with you.

anotherbaldrick

What specificallyis stated on the order form you signed or agreed regarding the height of the shed ?

theslice

The order form from the shed company does not mention the height dimensions.

"BillyOh 5000 Greenkeeper Workshop Premium Personnel Tongue & Groove Double Door : 1x - 20 x 10 GK Personnel Workshop (plus Extras and Options"[/I]


- I did the re-ordering over the phone do not have anything in writing that they changed the order. Clearly this is my fault and I am not trying to assign blame.

I am planning on insulating the shed and getting power installed - I am nervous about spending any more money if I will be forced to take it down at some point

squeeks

For 15cm, you can always raise the garden around the shed a little and make it look like you dug down for the shed and have a small seperation. Not entirely sure how that would fly with the planning department.

phill99

Do nothing until you have to. I think you are getting anxious over what, in the big picture, isactually quite trivial.

It will only be your neighbours that 'grass you up' to the concil. If, as you say, they have no problems with your shed, they are unlikely to do anything. If someone spills the beans, then seek retrospective planning permission.

Remember that after 4 years, the local planning authority cannot take enforcement action against you.

SJshah

You're worrying about nothing IMO. If your neighbours are okay with it then sit back and enjoy your new gym.

We built an outbuilding within permitted development, which in fact didn't turn out to be within the guidelines since it was 20cm taller. Our neighbours complained to the council, the duty planner was sent here to check it out. After arriving at the property, he noticed that the neighbours that complained actually have their own shed which is taller than ours!!

Even though the building was taller than what is usually allowed in permitted development, they didn't care.

stator

Do nothing. If your neighbours complain you can apply for retrospective planning permission. It is likely to be granted since no-one can claim that 15cm makes a significant difference.

Is your garden flat? The 2.5m is measured from the natural level of the original land, so if you have a terraced garden it can be higher/lower than you would expect.