Our Expert’s Guide to Treehouses Planning and Regulations
Neighbours do sometimes have concerns about a treehouse, but in our experience good communication and considerate design prevent most problems before they start. The biggest worry by far is being overlooked.
Talk to them early
We always encourage our clients to talk to their neighbours at an early stage. Once the plans are far enough along, show them what you are proposing. Explain where the treehouse will sit, how high it will be and how it will be used.
Your neighbours are going to notice the work anyway, so there is very little to gain by keeping it quiet. If the first they know of it is a team of builders arriving with scaffolding and materials, it comes as a surprise, and that is when people start to worry.
Privacy is usually the biggest issue
The main concern we come across is overlooking. Nobody wants to feel that next door has built a viewing platform looking straight into their garden or home.
We consider this carefully during the design. The position of the treehouse, its windows, doors, balconies and decking can all be planned to keep overlooking to a minimum. Sometimes a small change in orientation makes a huge difference.
We also think about how the treehouse will be used. A cosy hideaway has very different privacy needs from one with a large open deck. Where it helps, existing trees, hedges and planting can provide natural screening and help the treehouse sit comfortably in the garden.
Show people the plans
Once the plans are agreed, simply show them to your neighbours. It lets them see what is proposed, so they are not left imagining the worst.
The response is often surprisingly positive. Once people can see the scale, design and position, you will quite often hear something like, “That looks great, thanks for letting us know.”
Most people are not against the idea of a treehouse. What causes concern is being left out of the conversation, especially when something is suddenly being built that could affect their privacy or the enjoyment of their garden.
A good treehouse should feel as though it belongs in its surroundings. That means thinking about the people who live around it as well as the client who commissions it. If a planning application is needed, neighbours will be consulted as part of it in any case. See do you need planning permission for a treehouse?
