DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

My neighbour has recently purchased a large Porta Cabin from which to run her business. The structure will be based in a residential area consisting of single storey detached bungalows. He has planning permission for a brick garage but this obviously does not cover a portable structure. She is planning to locate it (without planning permission) backing directly on to my boundary fence. It will be considerably higher than my 6' fence and will be in clear view from both my dining room, kitchen and bedroom windows. I appreciate that there are planning regulations relating to its placement in relation to its proximity to the road (5m?) and her property (15'?) but I wondered if someone might know if it also has to be set back a certain distance from my boundary too? Many thanks in anticipation!

mumof3sons,
PP will be required if the building is within 2m of the boundary and is more than 2.5m high. If these conditions are not met approach your local council planners.
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Thank you so much for your reply. The structure is 2.7m high and when I looked over our fence the stabilising feet have actually crossed our boundary line (our fence is erected on 3" square posts which are attached our side of the concrete posts which form the boundary line).

I'd been worried sick as whilst the windows are facing away from our property customers exiting the portacabin door will have a clear view of our autistic son when he is playing in the garden. Unfortunately he has no understanding of danger and would happily go with a stranger if approached. Many customers who are totally unknown to me will come and go and I just can't risk putting him in a vulnerable position.

mumof3sons,
You have two issues to raise with the planners.
1. The height of the cabin.
2. Business use of a structure which should be for a "purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the property"
Even if the Planners are interested it may take years for them to take any action, I suggest you plan accordingly.
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