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  1. Welcome to Planning Portal
  2. Do you need permission?
  3. Common projects
  4. Outbuildings
  5. Sustainability

Outbuildings

Sustainability
  1. Planning Permission
  2. Is building regulations approval needed for an outbuilding?
  3. Building regulations: Foundations
  4. Building Regulations: Walls below ground level
  5. Building Regulations: Flooring
  6. Miniguide
  7. Can you build an annexe in your garden?
  8. Sustainability
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Sustainability

As with any project, it’s important to consider how to construct your new outbuilding in the most sustainable way possible. 

Below are some key areas which you might consider: 

  • Location – if possible, you should choose a location that minimizes disruption to the surrounding environment. You should look to design landscaping that encourages biodiversity.  
  • Building design – design the outbuilding to have natural ventilation and lighting where possible, using large windows and skylights. 
  • Materials - choose sustainable, locally sourced materials. Where possible, opt to use materials with a low carbon footprint, such as reclaimed wood, recycled steel, and low-impact concrete alternatives. Where using wood, you can look for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood1, to guarantee it has been sourced in a sustainable way. 
  • Insulation - ensure walls, roof, and floors are properly insulated to reduce heat loss.

As always, it's important to consider how you can power your project sustainably, and to recycle and/or reuse project waste where possible.

Make sure you discuss sustainability and longevity with your builders and other tradespeople before starting work. Use our 'find a professional'2 tool to find a trusted tradesperson for your project.

  1. https://uk.fsc.org/
  2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/find-a-trade-professional

Disclaimer

This is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information. Guidance is based on national rules, but additional local rules may also affect what permissions are needed. You should check if this is the case before applying or starting work.
Guidance here relates to the planning regime for England, the policy in Wales may differ. If in doubt contact your local planning authority. Please note, local authorities may charge a fee for pre-application advice.
Read our full disclaimer1.

  1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/terms-and-disclaimer/terms-and-conditions

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    The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.