Do I need planning permission for my log cabin

One of the most commonly asked questions from people considering purchasing a log cabin is ‘do I need planning permission’? Unfortunately, the rules regarding planning permission are pretty confusing and so we have put together this page to try and make it as clear as possible for you.

Please note that these are general guidelines and you should consult with your local planning department about your proposed log cabin, to be perfectly sure that you don’t need any consent. Additional rules also apply to properties that are in areas that are listed, protected or of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You are entitled to have a log cabin in your garden provided it is no taller than 4m (13.4ft) high, and should not need to obtain planning permission for this unless the cabin is more than 2.5m (8.25ft) high and is to be situated less than 2m (6.6ft) away from any boundary – for example, less than 2m away from a fence. In this instance, although you need to apply for planning permission, it will likely be granted, as the law states that you are entitled to have a log cabin up to 4m in height. However, individual circumstances have to be taken into account to ensure that your proposed cabin doesn’t impose upon or negatively impact on your neighbours.

If planning permission was refused, you should consider lowering the height of your cabin, as those that are 2.5m (8.25ft) high are exempt from all planning permission, regardless of where they are placed on your property. At Log Cabin Kits, many of our buildings have a ridge height of more than 2.5m, meaning that if you want to put them less than 2m away from any boundary then you will need to apply for planning permission. However, most of the cabins that we supply can be manufactured with a ridge height of less than 2.5m, providing the perfect solution to any planning permission concerns. Please contact us to see if a reduced height is available on your preferred cabin.

If you still require further clarification, check out Planning Portal, the government’s web-based guide to planning permission and building regulations.