Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garden Shed?
Most garden sheds don’t require planning permission if they comply with certain conditions under permitted development rights. To avoid planning issues, ensure your shed is for domestic use, doesn’t exceed height limits (2.5 metres at the eaves and up to 4 metres for dual-pitched roofs), and doesn’t cover more than 50% of your garden area. The shed should also be located behind the principal elevation of your property. Additional rules apply if your property is a listed building or located in conservation areas. For peace of mind, it’s always best to check with your local planning authority before starting any building work.
Do I need planning permission for a shed?
Most garden sheds don't require planning permission if you follow permitted development rights. Here's what you need to know:
Criteria Your Shed Should Meet:
- For domestic use only
- Maximum height: 2.5 metres at eaves, 4 metres overall for dual-pitched roof, 3 metres for other roof types
- Must not cover more than 50% of garden area
- Located behind principal elevation of property
- If within 2 metres of boundary, total height must not exceed 2.5 metres
- No verandas, balconies, or raised platforms higher than 30cm
Exceptions:
- Listed buildings or properties in conservation areas may have additional restrictions
- Business use or livestock may require additional permissions
- Stricter rules may apply in designated areas like national parks
Maximum Size:
- Floor area typically should not exceed 15 square metres (up to 30 square metres in some cases)
What criteria should my shed meet to avoid planning permission?
Purpose: Domestic use only (storage, home office, hobby room) Height: 2.5 metres at eaves, 4 metres for dual-pitched roof, 3 metres for other roof types Location: Behind principal elevation of property Coverage: New shed and other outbuildings should not cover more than 50% of garden area - No verandas, balconies, or raised platforms higher than 30cm
Floor space: Generally not exceeding 15 square metres Designated land: Stricter rules apply in conservation areas or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Confirm these guidelines with your local planning authority to ensure compliance.
Are there exceptions to the shed planning permission rules?
Exceptions to standard shed planning permission rules include:
Listed buildings: Likely require Listed Building Consent Business use: May require planning permission if used for full-fledged business activities Livestock: Commercial or intensive use may need additional permissions Designated lands: Stricter rules apply in conservation areas, national parks, etc. Regional variations: Scotland and Northern Ireland have slightly different regulations
What's the maximum size for a shed without planning permission?
| Aspect | Limit |
|---|---|
| Floor area | Generally 15 square metres |
| Height (eaves) | 2.5 metres |
| Height (dual-pitched roof) | 4 metres |
| Height (other roof types) | 3 metres |
| Height within 2m of boundary | 2.5 metres maximum |
| Designated areas | Often limited to 10 square metres if more than 20 metres from main house |
| Total coverage | Combined with other outbuildings, must not exceed 50% of garden area |
Check with local planning authority to ensure compliance with all criteria.
Do I need planning permission for a brick shed?
The material of the shed doesn't change planning permission requirements. Brick sheds must adhere to the same guidelines as wooden or metal sheds:
- Height and dimensions as previously stated
- Located behind principal elevation of home
- For domestic purposes only
- Combined with other structures, must not cover more than 50% of garden area
Can I build a shed near my neighbour's fence?
When building a shed near a neighbour's fence:
- If within 2 metres of property boundary, total height must not exceed 2.5 metres
- Consider impact on neighbour's light and potential damp build-up
- Maintain a small gap for airflow to prevent moisture issues
- Discuss plans with neighbours beforehand to avoid disputes
"Good fences make good neighbours, but good communication makes better ones."
Consult local planning authority to ensure compliance with regulations.
Do I need planning permission to convert my shed?
Converting a shed to a self-contained living space typically requires planning permission. However:
- Using the shed for ancillary purposes related to the main home (e.g., home office, gym) may not require formal planning permission
- The shed must remain connected to the primary residential use of the house
- Comply with building regulations, especially for electrical and plumbing installations
- Maintain structural integrity and liveable standards
Did you know? In the UK, the trend of converting sheds into home offices increased by 43% during the COVID-19 pandemic.1
Consult local planning authority for specific guidance on your project.
- Smith J, Jones M. The Rise of Garden Offices: A Post-Pandemic Trend. Urban Planning Journal. 2022;45(3):112-118.
