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Q&As
Changing wood to brick
Can I change an existing wooden structure (more like a roofed terrace area, open on one side) to a brick structure within permitted developments?
No change to square footage, but would need electrics, plumbing and heating (converting to a games/bar/entertainment area).
Thanks all.
One Answer
The new brick structure will need to fall within the limits for residential outbuilding permitted development. These normally limit location and height, but if you’re in a conservation area, area of outstanding natural beauty or national park, they also limit size if any part of the building is more than 20 metres of the house. Generally, the building needs to be back from the forwardmost part of the house; have a height not over 4 metres if a pitched roof and 3 metres if flat. The change of materials is not an issue, nor is the installation of services, provided the use remains ancillary to the house. For peace of mind, consider seeking a certificate of lawfulness from the council, which is a formal confirmation that it agrees your scheme would indeed be permitted development.