Outbuildings: What You Can Build in Your Garden

When you consider adding a structure to your property, you're likely thinking about an outbuilding. These are typically smaller structures you put up within your existing property's boundary, which is known as its 'curtilage'.

This guide will help you understand the regulations for many common garden additions, including:

• Sheds and greenhouses

• Children's playhouses and summerhouses

• Garages and carports

• Other structures such as swimming pools, ponds, sauna cabins, kennels, or tennis courts

You should be aware that these particular rules apply only to structures whose purpose is 'incidental' to the main house. This means the outbuilding should support and enhance your use of the primary dwelling, not function as a main residence itself.

What these guidelines do NOT cover, however, are major changes in how you use your land or an existing outbuilding. Furthermore, they specifically do not allow these structures to be used as separate, self-contained accommodation where someone could live independently.