I have a space next to my house that is 9' 9" x 23' 4" that I quite like the idea of turning into a garage/workshop. Basically, one wall of the "garage" would be the wall of my house and the other wall would be my current 8' fence (not strictly literally).

If I build the whole thing out of wood, would that mean it's a temporary structure and that I won't need planning permission?

I also have a useless gazebo type thing that is 6' 6" x 20' that I reckon I could panel and use as a shed ;)

Seriously, should I build it out of wood (assuming it can be made to look good) or should I wait and have it done properly out of brick?

if you're going to close it in completely you'll need to leave around 3 ft down the side for the the purpose of fire escape

Think the floor level of a garage has to be 4" lowerthan the house level as well to allow for any spillage of petrol,oil etc.

Chip.

Messiah,

My house has another strip of land on the other side, will this serve as a fire escape?

as long as when you go out of your back door, you get out the front of the house WITHOUT going indoors again.

and jumping over next doors garden doesnt count. :)

you need a 150mm (6") step between house and garage with a 1hr rated fire door in between. also the garage floor with have to be graded slightly towards the door so that any spillages can run out.

[Edited by messiah - 9/26/2003 9:55:01 AM]

if you have a side door that will then lead into the new garage it has to be to fire spec or something