Will I need planning permission?

Planning permission may not be required. Permitted development may be applicable if:-

  • the building is within the curtilage of your garden.
  • the building is a minimum of 20 metres from any public highway (footpaths, roads, bridleways etc).
  • the building is a minimum of 5 metres from the house and one metre from the boundary.
  • the height of the building does not exceed 4 metres at the ridge.
  • not for permanent residential or business use.

This information is meant for guidance purposes only. We recommend checking with your local authority before proceeding.

If required, OAKWRIGHTS COUNTRY BUILDINGS will undertake the planning process on your behalf for an agreed charge depending upon size and complexity of building and planning circumstances. A refundable deposit will be required. *(Should planning be denied we will return your deposit in full, less any relevant application fees, and a £250 administration fee).

What about Building Regulations?

Building Regulations may not be required as detailed below:-

  • Small Detached Building
    • A detached single-storey building, not more than 30 sq metres in floor area, which contains no sleeping accommodation and is built of non-combustible material if within 1 metre of a boundary.
  • Detached Building (Shed, Greenhouse etc.), Exempt if:
    • There is no sleeping accommodation
    • It is not more than 15 sq metres in floor area.
  • Car Port, Exempt if:
    • Open on at least two sides (doors are not an open side)
    • No more than 30 sq metres in floor area.
  • Porch, Exempt if:
    • Used for no other purpose
    • Not more than 3 sq metres in floor area
    • Any glazing is safety glass
  • Conservatory, Exempt if:
    • Attached to the dwelling, but separated by a door
    • Is not more than 30 sq metres in floor area
    • Glazing is safety glass
    • Is sited at ground level.
  • Covered Way, Exempt if:
    • It does not exceed 30 sq metres in floor area.
  • Garage, Exempt if:
    • Detached
    • Not more than 30 sq metres in floor area
    • More than 1 metre from any boundary, or built from substantially non-combustible materials.

Oakwrights can advise further with a site meeting.

Why do you use green oak?

Green oak (unseasoned) has always traditionally been used, for a number of reasons. Green oak is an extremely good timber to work being less hard than seasoned oak, is less expensive than seasoned oak and is easier to come across in large quantities. Finally, it has been argued, that as green oak ages and dries, it twists at the joints and that this increases its structural integrity.

How long will my oak frame last?

European oak is one of the most durable natural products known to man. Think of the vast number of exposed oak frames still existent in this country. Oak has a closed cellular structure, which makes it virtually impervious to water. It needs no external treatment and as long as no bad practices are introduced, e.g, coming into contact with cementations materials, will last hundreds of years, whilst improving in quality with age.

Do I need to treat the wood externally?

European oak is naturally durable and requires no external treatment. Like all timbers, it is photosensitive and will in time turn a silver grey colour that most people find attractive.

Will this impact the value of my property?

Adding extra space to a property will always add value. Couple this with the aesthetic appeal of a traditional oak framed building and the difference is evident. Should you require further information you could always take the drawings in to a local estate agent for their opinion.

What if I want a design individual to me?

Should you require a design not available through our modular system, one of our team of designers can draw your requirements for your approval. T.J. Crump OAKWRIGHTS specialises in the design and build of bespoke, oak framed houses for their clients, so we have unrivalled experience in this area.

What about cost?

A full written quotation will be presented detailing everything for your approval. Oak framed buildings are very reasonable in cost when compared with brick and stone.

What are my purchase options?

Oakwrights Country Buildings offers you three purchase options:-

  • Frame Only - For erection by a carpenter of your choice.
  • Supply & Assembly of the frame - The supply and assembly of the oak frame, and the softwood rafters, and weatherboarding ready for completion of the roof (you will need to ensure ground works are completed prior to delivery).
  • Frame, Assembly and Roofing - We will complete the entire project on your behalf, from your pre-prepared ground works to roofing (excludes insulation, electrics, internal fit out)
  • Oakwrights will undertake groundwork's to provide a turnkey solution when required.