
Another example of a
residential dispute in Harrow UK over a treehouse that results in a take down order.
"Councillor Marilyn Ashton said Harrow would not allow large structures to be built in people's back gardens without approval. Everyone remembers treehouses from their childhood but a treehouse earns that name by being in a tree - you can't build a large shed on stilts next to a tree and call it a treehouse."
The councillor's comments are worth reviewing:
First, council got involved only because the neighbour complained that the elevated treehouse invaded their privacy and was unsightly to their view. Take note: if you're planning to build a treehouse check with your neighbours if they'll be able to see it, or if you'll be able to peer into their lives. If they're okay with the idea you'll probably not have any problems with local bylaws.
Second, the council was able to order the take down because the treehouse fell under the jurisdiction of their bylaws: "Garden buildings require planning permission if they are more than four metres tall or cover more than half the garden." This situation would have been different if the treehouse was not a garden building -- in other words, if it wasn't built on stilts.
My advice for people thinking of building a treehouse in an urban or suburban setting is to build entirely in the tree with no part of the structure touching the ground. This way, the treehouse cannot be classified as a garden structure and therefore does not fall under the same jurisdiction or bylaws.
Even if you build entirely in a tree, there are still some limitations on the size, by square footage, that can reasonably define a treehouse depending on the area you live. However, by talking with your neighbours first and perching the structure in a tree you can avoid most of the red tape and problems that come from these kind of disputes.