Do I need Planning Permission for Log Cabins and Garden Offices?

The following is taken from the Government Website Planning Portal, link below: www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/genpub/en/1115315233153.html Under new regulations that came into effect on 1 October 2008 outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, not needing planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:

• No outbuilding forward of the principal elevation fronting a highway.
  
• Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof.
  
• Maximum height 2.5 metres within two metres of a boundary.
  
• No verandas, (Note from Dunster House: We interpret¹ this rule as not including what we call “Verandas” or “Deck Verandas” as the platform is less than 300mm from the ground and this seems entirely acceptable when reading about the what is allowed for decking. If in doubt check with your local planning office.) balconies or raised platforms.
  
• No more than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings.
  
• In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the maximum area to be covered by buildings, enclosures, containers and pools more than 20 metres from house to be limited to 10 square metres.
  
• On designated land* buildings, enclosures, containers and pools at the side of properties will require planning permission.
  
• Within the curtilage of listed buildings any outbuilding will require planning permission.
  
• The term "original house" means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.
• Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.

¹This is our interpretation of the rules and is merely our opinion, we cannot be held responsible for incorrect interpretation.