Planning Permission


Do I need log cabin planning permission? This section deals with the important question of whether you need planning permission to build a log cabin.

If you choose a cabin that conforms to current planning laws in terms of its size and location, you will not need to apply for planning permission. Obviously if the cabin you choose does not conform, then you will have to apply for planning permission first. The third possibility is that you’ve put up a log cabin that doesn’t conform to planning regulations and then the only option will be to apply for retrospective planning permission.

If a log cabin is to be sited within 2 metres of the boundary, it must be no higher that 2.5 metres.

There are several planning regulations that will potentially effect your choice of cabin as well as its location in the garden, or site. Be advised that it is your own responsibility to verify that the cabin you choose conforms with the planning laws in your area.

Sadly, many log cabin companies in what is essentially an unregulated ‘gold rush’ type industry reminiscent of the early days of double glazing sales, will gladly sell you a log cabin in the full knowledge that it does not conform to planning regulations.

Lugarde Barcelona Log Cabin

This Lugarde Barcelona Log Cabin at 3.10 metres high is well over the allowable 2.5 metres if within 2 metres of the boundary and does not comply with Planning Regulations

Probably for the great majority of purchasers the log cabin will be sited within two metres of the boundary. Tucking it up alongside the fence at the side or back of the garden is always going to be favourite. In this case the cabin must not be higher than 2.5 metres to comply with planning regulations. In practice this rules out the majority of log cabins, UNLESS you specify the flat roof option.

Most budget log cabin sellers on the net or offline source their cabins from the same few international suppliers, such as Lugarde, the exceptions being the few who offer a bespoke building service for which you’ll pay a lot more. Each cabin is made to order and the customer can specify exactly the dimensions of the cabin, within practical constraints like door height. Different roof options are always possible and with little or no effect on the overall price. A flat roof may in some (but by no means all) models keep the cabin under 2.5 metres but it is always ultimately the buyer’s responsibility to check this BEFORE purchase.

Therefore if you are going to site your cabin near the boundary you will be looking for a flat roof log cabin, which, in practice, is actually a roof with a sufficient pitch to shed rainwater. This should accomodate an acceptable door height, roof insulation if required and the roof structure itself.

Log Cabin complies with Planning Laws

This Lugarde Barcelona Log Cabin, the same as in the picture above, now has a custom built EPDM flat roof so that at around 2 metres high it is well under the maximum 2.5 metres permitted if within 2 metres of the boundary

Planning Permission must be the starting point for any log cabin search. This is because planning constraints dictate your choice of cabin both in terms of its size (height) and location. A word of warning here; log cabin sellers are interested in selling log cabins. Whether the log cabin is suitable for your needs and will comply with planning regulations is YOUR responsibility.

Before you choose a log cabin check the planning laws in your area as different rules apply for Conservation Areas, National Parks, Listed Buildings etc.. And before you buy a log cabin once again make a final check that it conforms to planning regulations, not just in general, but in the exact location in the garden where the cabin is to be sited.