Do you need planning permission for a bunker? Building underground bunkers are becoming increasingly popular, especially with the threat of global warming and rising sea levels. But before you start digging, it’s important to understand the planning regulations involved in constructing a bunker and if you need planning permission for a bunker.
While there are no specific regulations that apply directly to the construction of a bunker, it’s important to understand the local planning laws and regulations that may affect the project. In some areas, it may be necessary to obtain planning permission before construction begins. In other areas, it may be possible to build a bunker without planning permission.
If you are planning to build a bunker in an area that requires planning permission, it’s important to understand the necessary steps to obtaining it. Depending on the local laws, you may need to submit an application to the local authority, which will assess the application and decide if it meets the necessary criteria. The application process can take some time and involve a number of steps, including consultation with the local community and a site inspection.
Once permission is granted, there may also be restrictions on the size, location, and use of the bunker. You may also be required to meet certain safety and security standards, including the installation of secure locks and fire safety measures.
Before you start digging, it’s important to ensure that the bunker is built in accordance with the planning regulations and that the appropriate permission is obtained. This will ensure that the bunker meets the necessary regulations and can be used safely and securely. If you’re unsure about the regulations, it’s important to seek advice from a qualified professional or local authority.
Can you build an underground bunker under your house?
Building an underground bunker under your house is a task that is becoming increasingly popular for those who are worried about the potential for natural disasters or other catastrophes. While it’s certainly not something that everyone does, it’s an option for those who want to take extra precautions for their family’s safety.
Before you decide to construct an underground bunker, it’s important to understand what’s involved. An underground bunker is a structure that is constructed to provide protection from potential threats or disasters. It is usually built below ground level and can be reinforced with concrete or steel. A bunker may also have multiple levels, an air filtration system, and other features to provide extra protection.
The first step in building an underground bunker is to determine where it will be located. It’s best to choose a spot that is not near any human structures, such as a neighbor’s house or a busy street. You should also make sure that the area is relatively dry, as moisture can be damaging to the bunker’s structural integrity.
Once you’ve chosen a location, the next step is to hire an engineer or contractor to help you build the bunker. This is an important step, as not all contractors have the necessary experience and expertise to build an underground bunker that is safe and secure. It’s also important to get the proper permits, as building an underground bunker without one can result in fines or other legal consequences.
Once you’ve hired a contractor and obtained the necessary permits, the next step is to begin construction. Building an underground bunker requires a lot of heavy lifting, as well as tools and materials. Make sure that you have the right tools and materials before you begin, and work with a professional who has experience in this type of project.
Once construction is complete, you’ll need to outfit your bunker with amenities. This might include a generator, food and water storage, medical supplies, and other items that you may need in the event of an emergency. It’s also important to ensure that your bunker has adequate ventilation, as this is essential for providing a safe environment.
Building an underground bunker is an intense project, and it’s important to understand the risks associated with it. It’s essential to work with a professional and to obtain the necessary permits. With the right planning, however, you can create a secure bunker that will provide your family with peace of mind in the event of a disaster.
Get a Structural Engineer to Design the Bunker
Before building your underground shelter, you will first want to discuss your options with an architect or structural engineer. You do not require formal planning permission to build a basic concrete block bunker as long as you abide by local regulations.
However, if your bunker is designed to be more elaborate then it could possibly fall under planning regulation in some areas. This depends on how much design work has been done on the structure and what use people can make of it.
For example, if your bunker was used only for recreational purposes (like having fun) then you would probably not need planning permission. However, if it were being used as an office space or as a safe room during a crisis then this would be different.
There are several ways to get around needing planning permission. The most common way is to simply redesign the bunker without adding any features that go beyond its intended function.
Pre-application Consultation
Before you apply to build or use your bunker as defined above, you must first consult the local authorities in the area. This is known as pre-application consultation. You do not have to be totally clear about what you want to include in your bunker at this stage but it is important to know whether you require planning permission before you start building it!
If you are aware of an existing bunker then check if you need to get permission to modify it. Most likely you will so make sure you understand how much access you need to have.
It’s also worth checking out any bylaws that may relate to your plans – most areas have some kind of zoning regulation. For example, in residential zones, there should be a limit on the number of bedrooms allowed, while in commercial districts there should be rules regarding noise levels, etc.
There is no legal definition of a ‘bunker’ but many towns and cities classify them under their emergency services regulations. In these cases, they determine what uses are permitted and what restrictions there may be. These can vary wildly depending on the area.
In general, though, bureaus and departments such as fire, police, ambulance, and rescue services typically have limited access to bunkers in case of a major incident. They may even have conditions attached like having to agree to work with the department during an emergency and being barred from taking full control themselves.
Submission for Planning Permission
As mentioned earlier, if you are in fact building or designing your own underground shelter then you do not require formal planning consent. You can however run into issues with licensing though as most states have regulations about what kind of shelters you can build.
Most governments regulate how tall an individual’s roof needs to be so it is important to know yours! Generally speaking anything under 5 meters (16 feet) will be fine but any higher than that may incur extra fees. This could easily mean that your shelter has a maximum height of just above 6 feet!
Some countries also limit the length of bunkers which means you would have to make sure that your space is long enough to accommodate all of the people living there! Some even place limits on the amount of water that can be stored so check out your country’s laws before starting construction.
Provision of Planning Permission
Whilst it is not obligatory to apply for planning permission before building or using a bunker, doing so can give you some extra protections in case someone tries to challenge your use of the property later.
There are two main reasons why you would want to apply for planning permission for a bunker. The first is because you will be applying for development consent which means that you must go through the local council’s procedures and get their approval. This could take time so being able to show that you have applied for planning permission helps mitigate having to start the construction process again!
The second reason is so that you know what uses of the land the local authority considers acceptable. For example, they may consider garages to be an unacceptable use so if you wanted to build one then you would need to prove that it was permissible under the rules.
General Development Orders
GDOs are statutory instruments that can be used to achieve changes or developments in your property. They are sometimes referred to as zoning orders because they regulate how land is utilised.
A general development order (GDO) can apply to any piece of land, not just one house. A GDO may require the construction of a new building, changing or moving an existing structure, or developing open space.
Because it applies to any land, it does not have to be within your home’s estate. For example, if there was a large empty field next door to yours, a GDO could include developing the other part of the site into a residential area or business park. It would then be able to offer homes in those areas.
Statutory guidance says that bordered properties must comply with the requirements of both sets of regulations, so their owners will be protected by law. This means people living nearby would be informed about what uses are allowed and which ones are not.
Mayoral Development Orders
In some cases, creating or expanding onto land may require formal permission from your local council. These are called MDO’s (mayoral development orders).
The term ‘bunker’ is often used to describe these types of MDPO but they can be different names such as fortified building, a protected structure, or similar. It doesn’t matter what people call them, what does matter is that they allow you to increase the protection of an existing property by adding additional walls or other protective features.
A MDPO will usually apply to anywhere there’s space for more than one house or flat on a plot of land. This could be due to natural boundaries like rivers or hills, or because part of the parcel was sold separately and has since been re-subdivided into individual properties.
It’s very important to note that even if no buildings currently exist on a piece of land, it still MAY qualify for an MDPO. For example, if a large empty field next to a residential area gets bought and developed, then this would potentially affect the surrounding areas.
Local Development Orders
An additional regulation in England that can be used to gain access to your basement or underground space is called a local development order (LDO). This is typically done when there are significant changes happening at your home, such as digging a new well or adding an extra bedroom.
An LDO is slightly more complicated than getting building or safety permissions because it requires formal consultation with neighbors and the community. It also takes longer to put into action so it will usually cost more to implement.
However, this is only necessary if you really want to develop your property beyond what is already there! Using LDOs to create your own private oasis or wellness facility is totally fine but not everyone agrees they are needed or wanted.
There is no national guidance about how many people must agree an application for an LDO should go through, so each situation is different. Your area may have requirements to prove public health and safety, while others may not.
What is the Difference Between a Building Permit and Planning Permission?
When it comes to building and construction projects, there are many permits and permissions required to ensure that the project is done properly and safely. One of the most common questions asked by those who are involved in these projects is the difference between a building permit and planning permission.
A building permit is a legal document issued by the local government that allows the construction of a residential or commercial structure. It is required for any new construction, addition, or renovation of an existing structure. The purpose of the building permit is to ensure that the building meets local building codes and is safe for occupancy. The permit is also required for any changes made to the existing structure.
Planning permission, on the other hand, is required for any changes to the outside of the building, such as alterations to the walls, roof, or windows. This permission is usually obtained from the local authority and is required for any residential or commercial changes that may affect the character of the area, such as new development. Planning permission also takes into account any potential environmental impacts that the project may have, such as the potential for flooding or other environmental issues.
In order to obtain a building permit or planning permission, the applicant must provide a detailed plan of the proposed project and must also provide proof of ownership of the land, proof of financial means, and other necessary paperwork. Additionally, a public hearing may also be held to discuss any potential objections to the project.
When it comes to building projects, it is important to understand the differences between a building permit and planning permission in order to ensure that the project is done properly and safely. A building permit ensures that the structure meets local building codes while planning permission ensures that the changes made to the existing structure or the new development do not negatively affect the character of the area. The permits and permissions required for a project will depend on the type of project and the local regulations in the area.
Where Can I Buy an Underground Bunker Kit?
Buying or building your own underground shelter is a great way to go if you are really serious about it. Thankfully, you do not have to live in a major city with limited resources to get this survival equipment. You can definitely find good-quality bunkers anywhere!
Most people buy their pre-built shelters through vendors that sell them as a kit. These kits usually include things such as heavy-duty plastic sheeting, plywood, bed sheets, pillows, blankets, and food supplies. A lot of these items can be gathered together to make up the floor of the shelter, so they are already organized when you receive them.
These types of vendors also normally offer free shipping which makes it more affordable to start your shelter collection. It’s best to know what part of the shelter goes where before buying it because some areas may cost extra. For example, if you don’t have a cover yet then purchasing one would probably cost quite a bit more than just buying a prefabricated dome cover.
There are many ways to build your shelter, but the most popular ones use either soil fill or sandbags. By using natural materials instead of plastic or cardboard, you will save money and space. Both methods work well and are totally adequate for protecting yourself from a disaster.