Planning permission outbuilding

[Jadefeather7]

Hi

We have put up a garden room recently. I had an idea that 2.5m is the max height which doesn’t require planning permission however it’s ended up being 2.7. I also didn’t take into account the fact that it’s on raised ground. I know this is my fault. I think we were a bit naive thinking no one will complain about 20cm. There are a couple of other outbuildings of a similar height our street and we did check beforehand with neighbours on both sides who are both lovely and have no issues. Somebody else however has made a complaint. I understand that we can apply for retrospective planning permission. Anyone had experience of that? Feel a bit stressed as I have a baby on the way in the next few days and we have spent quite a lot on this garden room.

Bump

You can apply retrospectively. Call the planning office and ask.

Has someone complained to you directly or the council? If they have complained to the council someone will write to you letting you know they have received a complaint and will probably come around to measure the building. If it’s only slightly taller I wouldn’t about it too much if a lot of your neighbours have them and you’re only using it as a summerhouse. Once they’ve measured it they’ll talk you through the process of regularising the building.

I think there is a 10% leeway. Who has complained and how the hell do they know it's 20cm taller without trespassing on your property?

There's no leeway in the law, if it doesn't meet pd rules it needs planning permission, but the council has to balance enforcement action against the public interest. So they might ask you to apply for permission but when it comes to they might not do anything.
If it's hard to dig it down, remember that the 2.5m is from the highest natural adjacent ground level, so if it's on a slope you might be just about ok. However if it's made up ground then that doesn't count.