Homeowners advised to seek planning permission over 'kids' digs'

Those thinking of having a wooden chalet built in their garden to enable their grown-up children to have their own place to live should make sure they have the planning permission issues sorted before they start, it has been advised by the boss of a firm that builds such properties, commonly known as kids' digs.

Richard Sharman, a director of Custom Timber Build, stated that it would be "wise" to check the situation.

He added: "In certain cases you do [need planning permission], but in certain cases you can put buildings into your garden under the rules of permitted development."

The key thing is for people to get "professional advice" before they embark on the building.

Such a requirement would also apply to a self builder as well as anyone getting an outside company in to construct the chalet.

A poll by Fool.co.uk in April this year showed that many young people are put off trying to get on the housing ladder by fears of negative equity.

This was the case for 23 per cent of 24 to 34-year-olds.