If you are in the early planning stages of erecting garden building on the grounds of your residence then you need to pay close attention to the regulations that are set in place concerning them. Now the good news is that they are really quite few, and are also quite simple to understand. As you read what I have listed here, do keep in mind that these regulations really only deal with the circumstances surround a "basic", no frills installation. What I mean by that is if you for instance plan on hooking up to sewer line for a small kitchen, or lavatory as an example, you can rest assured that there is some inspection and clearance process for that. Also October of 2008 saw some new rules and regulations regarding garden buildings that you need to be aware of. The reason that I make this point, is because some of the information that is available online was published prior to that date and doesn't include them, so be aware of that fact as you go about your research. The "key phrase" here is "ancillary building". In the UK this term is used to classify any detached building that is built or installed on a property that is secondary in use to the principle, or main residence. So if your plans revolve around a garden building, greenhouse, or shed that are not to be part of your home, this is your classification. Now keep in mind that regulations concerning garden buildings do vary from place to place in the UK, so what applies to you where you live now may not apply if you're moving to a new location. Also for some reason the most common magic number that you will find in place around the UK is "10 square metres". Keep your building 10 square metres or under in volume and you'll find only a small handful of basic regulations that you will have to go by. Build up beyond that 10 square metre mark, and the regulations spike up dramatically. Also do keep in mind that a 10 square metre building is quite small. Other key factors to be on the lookout for, is if the home where the proposed garden building is to be located falls within the confines of a national park, conservation area or if it has been designated as having some type of historical significance. If this is your case than for sure you can count on some type of special regulations being in place. Now as you go over regulations on garden buildings some of them will refer to what is called the "original house", meaning the main residence that is in place on the land. However, be aware that by definition, the term "original house" in the UK as it pertains to these types of zoning and permit issues only covers what was built prior to July 1, 1948, and not any additions that were built after that date. About the Author: