Exemptions from Building Regulations

Certain types of 'building works' are exempt from Building regulations, these include:

Small detached single storey buildings such as garages, sheds and greenhouses, which contain no sleeping accommodation and are:

1. Not more than 30m2.
2. Built of substantially non-combustible materials if the building is less than 1m from the boundary
   nb (b) does not apply if the floor area is not more than 15m2 (for example a timber garden shed).
3. A greenhouse or conservatory built at ground level with a floor area of not more than 30m2
   nb Glazing at low level and/or indoors and sidelights must be carried out in safety glass. The location should not adversely affect means of escape from upper windows, the conservatory must also be thermally separated form the existing dwelling.
4. A carport open on at least two sides, the floor area of which does not exceed 30m2.
5. A porch where the floor area does not exceed 30m2, the porch must be thermally separated from the existing dwelling. 

You do not need Building Regulation approval to do the following:

• Install replacement drainage (unless the work involves new drainage or plumbing systems)

• Carry out minor repairs

• Garden walls

For further information:

• Contact: Building Control Section, Mansion House, Penrith, CA11 7YG
• Telephone: (01768) 817817
• Email: planning.services@eden.gov.uk
• Fax: (01768) 890732