Log cabins

[Pete Verdon]

Why would Part P apply? It's a part of the Building Regulations, and the Building Regulations say that they do not apply to this building.

Pete

[John Rumm]

The process of extending a submain from the house to a garden outbuilding would be covered by part P. The work in the building itself may not. (assuming anyone gives a monkeys anyway)

[Owain]

An alternative is to do it as a caravan, which can be up to 20' wide and

60' long. You don't normally need any planning permission for a caravan in the garden, as long as it isn't used for self-contained accommodation and it remains notionally moveable on wheels. As it's a Caravan it's designed to Caravan BS not Building Regulations.

easier to take with you when you move than a shed.

Be aware that any accommodation used solely for business purposes may become liable for business rates and capital transfer tax.

Owain

[Bruce]

Interesting ... prices seem reasonable. Thanks for the link!

[John Rumm]

Which means you need a comfy couch in there or something so that it can be your personal study, or music listening room etc. ;-)

[Bruce]

Alas, I have already discussed it with the council, because of access and parking issues, so they are aware.

[John Rumm]

That does not matter - as long as it is easy to argue that it is dual use then it is hard for them to slap business rates on it. The only problem comes when a part of a property is exclusively for business use.

[Bruce]

Well, this will be, so I don't think there's any way of getting around it. The alternative is renting a small unit on an estate a mile away, so this seems to be a better option.

[Owain]

That's all right. You're entitled to change your mind. Following your discussions with the council you decided to have a caravan in the garden for extra living space instead. What's the boardroom by day can become the overflow dining room for Sunday lunch. The presentation suite becomes the home cinema, etc.

Owain