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:

• Not more than 30m2.
• Built of substantially non-combustible materials if the building is less than 1m from the boundary (does not apply if the floor area is 15m2 or less).

A porch or conservatory if:

• It is built at ground level with a floor area of not more than 30m2

• The location should not adversely affect means of escape from upper windows.

• Conservatories have at least 75% of the roof glazed and at least 50% of the walls.

• Safety glazing is installed in critical locations.

• It is thermally separated from the existing dwelling.

• The heating system from the existing dwelling is not extended in the porch or conservatory. 

A carport open on at least two sides, the floor area of which does not exceed 30m2.

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