Timber Frame Regulations Simplified
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Whether you’re extending your home or putting in a new feature such as a porch or outbuilding, you may be considering utilising timber framing.
Timber is a great construction material, not only offering a high load bearing capacity and durability in all elements, but a luxurious and timeless aesthetic.
But what are the regulations surrounding timber frame constructions?
Timber frame regulations are not unlike your typical planning permission requirements and building regulations. We detail all you need to know for some of the most popular oak constructions.
Oak Porches: Building Regulations You Must Follow
Porches mainly fall under permitted development, meaning you don’t need to apply for planning permission.
However, you must adhere to specifications for your porch to fall under permitted development. This includes:
- Maximum floor area of 3m²
- Maximum height of 3m²
- The porch is not located within 2m of any highway boundary
- The porch is of a similar appearance to the exterior of the main property
- Any glazing or electrical fittings must comply with relevant building regulations
- The porch must be separated from the main property by the main property’s outer door
Oak Conservatory Building Regulations
Conservatories, along with orangeries and garden rooms, are not free-standing structures and fall under the classification of a home extension. Therefore, if you’re planning on installing an oak conservatory or similar, you will need to apply for planning permission.
A conservatory may be exempt from building regulations, so long as it features:
- Maximum floor area of 30m²
- External quality doors/ windows/ walls separate the main property from the conservatory
- Any glazing or electrical fittings comply with relevant building regulations
Timber Framed Oak Extensions: Planning Permission and Building Regulations
Your home extension may fall under permitted development, therefore not requiring you to apply for planning permission, however this depends on the size of the extension.
Our Oak Extensions Guide provides a closer look at the requirements surrounding extensions. For instance, extensions fall under permitted development if they are:
- Less than 4m in height
- Covers less than half the width of your property
Your extension will also most likely have to adhere to building regulations.
Garage Building Regulations: Size Restrictions for Timber Frame Construction
Garage building regulations differ depending on whether your garage is freestanding or attached to the main property.
If the garage is attached to your house, it is considered an extension, and the guidance above applies.
If your garage has a floor area of between 15m² and 30m² it is subject to the above requirements, as well as:
- Walls must be minimum of 1m from boundary fence
- Constructed from non-combustible material (oak most likely classified as non-combustible)
If the garage is freestanding, it is considered an outbuilding. For a garage with a floor area of less than 15m², you likely will not have to obtain planning permission providing:
- Maximum height of 4m
- No sleeping accommodation
- Any electrical fittings and plumbing must comply with relevant building regulations
- Outbuildings (cumulative) cannot occupy more than half of the land surrounding the main property
It is important to note that whilst this guide offers an overview of the main timber frame regulations, it is advised you approach a planning consultant or expert guides such as Planning Portal to ensure you’re following the correct procedures when renovating your home.
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