Planning
permission
Before you purchase the swimming pool of
your dreams, it’s worth bearing in mind
that the building of an outdoor swimming pool at
your home may come under the category of
‘outbuildings for the purpose of luxury for
the home’, therefore you may need to
consider whether or not you will need planning
permission from your local authority.
Because the weather in the UK is not exactly
endless days of sunshine and blue skies, even a
heated pool won’t allow you all year round
swimming enjoyment. More and more people are
opting to have a pool with an enclosure or
outbuilding in order to enjoy the full potential
of a pool in comfort and privacy.
Swimming pools of this nature are much more
likely to require planning permission so you
should always check with your local council
before you sign on the dotted line.
If you are unsure about your swimming pool
measurements check before hand with the
manufacturer or installer what size and height
your swimming pool and any additional associated
structures will be and carefully plan the
location of your swimming pool.
There are a few guidelines to adhere to when
building your swimming pool and the following are
instances in which you would definitely need to
apply for planning permission for an outdoor
swimming pool.
1. The pool will be nearer to any highway
than to the original house it belongs to unless
there is at least 20 meters between the highway
and the pool. The highway is a term used for any
public route including public roads, footpaths,
bridleways and byways.
2.
More than 50% of the land owned by the original
home will be covered up by outbuildings and/or
extensions.
3.
The outbuilding in question is to be used for any
commercial purpose including parking a commercial
vehicle (Mostly this would not be applicable for
a home swimming pool which is an addition used
for personal luxury purposes).
4.
The Swimming pool outbuilding or protective
structure is more than 3 meters high above the
ground (4 meters for ridged roofing).
5.
Your home is a listed building and the swimming
pool or outbuilding size will exceed 10 cubic
meters.
It is important to ensure that your swimming pool
complies to the above location and requirements
restrictions before you go ahead and buy it as
you could be in for a nasty surprise when
it’s all set up.
Planning permission guidelines can and do vary
from area to area around the UK, so if in doubt
you should always ask your local governing
authority before you decide on any definite plans
for, or investment in a pool.
Expect a waiting period of approximately two
months to get everything sorted out before work
can begin on your new swimming pool installation.
It all sounds a bit daunting but as with any
major build, its all in the planning and any
reputable pool manufacturer, installer or builder
should be happy to give you advice. After all,
they will have had the experience from many
previous projects.