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Dear All,

I have promised ( and want to ) build a Tree House. Well more of a platform at tree level, not a tall tree I have measured the space as allowing a platform 1.5m high and say 1.5 for the thing so 3m in total. .Old Apple tree is taller than that but to actually build in the tree seems so difficult. ...... boy wants add ons, walk ways, towers , ........hot wheels track..... . Which sub forum to start? Thanks gonna need some help. Richard .

Don't want to pee on your bonfire but tree houses usually require planning consent. If it overlooks the neighbours they may object. Might be worth checking before laying out for materials etc.

Bill

heeelllooo and welcome RichardBartram
yes indeed any raised platform requires planning permission if its higher than 300mm
https://interactive.planningportal.co.u ... permission
"Putting up decking, or other raised platforms, in your garden is permitted development providing:

they are no more than 30cm above the ground
together with other extensions, outbuildings etc, they cover no more than 50 per cent of the garden area."

Hi Richard, it's great that you have undertaken something so ambitious for your child :) Have you already started building?

Before you start, collect as much information as you can, there are for sure plenty of guides and video tutorials on the internet. It is good to use someone's existing solutions, the well-documented ones (e.g. on YouTube?), if you know they are working well. Consider what type of construction the tree allows you to choose. Take into account the size of the trunk, the thickness and stiffness of the branches and the fact that the tree will grow - rigid fixing of the structure in some places may sometimes damage it in a few years. This does not apply, for example, to support poles, if you choose such support, because the platform will remain on the same height - the trunk grows wider here, rather than upward. Properly made supporting poles are a very good, relatively simple and safe solution if you want to make a wide and heavy platform, remember also about the braces, they are very important and can replace the supporting poles, but you have to properly attach them to the structural elements.

Heavy construction is also a big problem if the tree and the support / fastening of the structure are not strong enough. Try to calculate how much the construction will weigh (count also a few people). Perhaps in some non-structural elements you don't need heavy boards?

One more thing of many to consider - your construction timber will change as well. If the boards are not dry enough (even though they seem to be), you might be surprised how much they shrink. Materials (especially metal ones) also shrink slightly in winter and will expand in summer due to the temperature change.

That's a tough project, but I'm sure you can handle it, just ask experienced guys on the forum for advice.
Good luck with your construction!