Building/Land advice needed

[Ems]

Any experts out there on building regs?

Can you build right up to the boundary line, or is there a minimum gap needed?

Thanks!!

Firstly it depends on which boundary, is it a side or back one ? Most authorities have strict rules about front ones, many not even allowing fences. If you ring your local planning dept. they'll almost certainly have a leaflet with guidelines to help you through the planning permission process, including building regs. Failing that, the local CAB could probably help.

On a purely practical note, think of how you'll manage any maintenance if you do build up to the line.

Thanks Twink. Its the back.

Its not ours; my mum owns some land, and the people on her boundary want to build an extension, and apparently it wont be worth it unless they go right up to the edge!! (As in can we buy some of your land!)

Obviously my mother is concerned, and thought perhaps it wasnt allowed right up to the boundary.

I'm in the process of building an extension at the moment which will be built up to the dividing wall between myself and our neighbours. If the extension is no more than 50 cubic feet, then you are allowed to build without planning permission. However, you do have to get the party wall act signed by the neighbours it effects. If they're not happy to sign it, then you can still go ahead but must instruct a surveyor and pay for them a surveyor who will ensure that the correct procedure is met. I'm afraid that's about as much as I know at the moment. My advice would be to go to local Planning department (ours has a advisory service most afternoons, or contact a surveyor for their help. Good luck!

Thanks for that Bon.

Ems, I've emailed the details to a mate who is a senior planner in local government so I'll post the reply as soon as I get one

Oh Twink, thats really kind, thanks.

message withdrawn

Ems, I'd hoped that I could help but the reply is in 'planner speak' here is it is : (non edited !)

"As far as I am aware, provided the person does not wish to extend/build up
to the boundary line there is no problem. However, if the proposed addition
will form part of the boundary (ie as occurs between semi-detached houses),
then technically they need approval from the freeholder (or leaseholder if
more than 7 years are left on there lease).

I would however point out that this is a legal matter as it deals with land
ownership. You may wish to speak to your legal advisor regarding this
matter. Planning is only concerned regarding the acceptability of the
development proposed.

I point this out as you do not need to own a piece of land to submit a
planning application on it. For example, you could apply to build a branch
of Waitrose in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. There is nothing to stop
you, provide you pay the appropriate fee and have made every effort to
notify the owner/leaseholder of the application site."

Sorry , IMYO that is not very useful so please feel free to ask more specific questions if it will help

Hhmmmmm Twink? I'll see what sense my mum makes of that! Many thanks.