How close can I build next to my neighbours garden?

Nordita

I want to build a 15m2 masonry outbuilding in my garden which will be within <1m boundaries of my neighbours gardens. 

As the building will be primarily made of a non-combustible material I understand that I do not need to contact my local building control.

As I understand it as long as the building is constructed with aspects all within  permitted development rights I do not need to ask anyone for 
permission and can go ahead. 

Is this correct?

The source I am using is https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/outbuildings/is-building-regulations-approval-needed-for-an-outbuilding

grumbler

Yes, if the height is no more than 2.5 metres. In this case you can build right along the boundary.

Nordita

grumbler said:

Yes, if the height is no more than 2.5 metres. In this case you can build right along the boundary.

Thank you. And do you know if permission is needed to pour concrete in adequate foundations? I'm guessing no as this is a building regulation matter and my structure would be 15m2 or less.

FreeBear

Nordita said:

grumbler said:

Yes, if the height is no more than 2.5 metres. In this case you can build right along the boundary.

Thank you. And do you know if permission is needed to pour concrete in adequate foundations? I'm guessing no as this is a building regulation matter and my structure would be 15m2 or less.

How deep are the foundations going to be, and what is the distance from any neighbouring properties ?

Nordita

FreeBear said:

How deep are the foundations going to be, and what is the distance from any neighbouring properties ?

I don't know yet in regards to the foundations. I believe I'm on chalk but haven't dug down yet. I planned the wall to be comprised of render, single block then internally some light insulation and plasterboard. 

Obviously I would not like to damage or disturb my neighbours.

A 450mm wide trench would leave about 350 to 400mm between the boundaries. There are no adjacent structures apart from a wooden fence that I am a bit concerned about disturbing.

Section62

Nordita said:

grumbler said:

Yes, if the height is no more than 2.5 metres. In this case you can build right along the boundary.

Thank you. And do you know if permission is needed to pour concrete in adequate foundations? I'm guessing no as this is a building regulation matter and my structure would be 15m2 or less.

Don't confuse the requirement to seek building regulations approval with the need to comply with building regs.

Almost all building work has to comply with the regulations (relevant to the building type).  An outbuilding of 15m2 or less still has to comply with all relevant regulations, you just don't need to go through the formal approval process.

Also be aware when building close to a boundary that all parts of the building should be within the boundary, unless the adjacent landowner agrees otherwise.  It is common for people to design their building so the wall is on the boundary line, however (unless special building techniques are used) the result is usually encroachment onto the neighbour's property by the foundations and/or the roof.

FreeBear

As long as your foundations are at least 3m away from any neighbouring buildings, you shouldn't need a party wall agreement. Depending on how close to the boundary the finished wall is going to be, you might need consent from the neighbour for scaffolding and/or access for maintenance.

Nordita

FreeBear said:

As long as your foundations are at least 3m away from any neighbouring buildings, you shouldn't need a party wall agreement. Depending on how close to the boundary the finished wall is going to be, you might need consent from the neighbour for scaffolding and/or access for maintenance.

My foundations will be within 3m. Does anybody know if notice must be given if the only structure adjacent would be a wooden fence at most?

The Party Walls acts is vague about what constitutes down to a structure but a few online solicitors state that a wooden fence without brickwork don't warrant notice??

Doozergirl

A fence does not fall under the party wall act.  

It can be a party structure, it is not a party wall.  I think that's why you're not finding the answer you want - they are not the same thing. 

GDB2222

Are you going to leave enough room behind the building to do maintenance? You have a right to go on neighbouring property for maintenance, but that does not help if there's a fence in the way.