Do I need planning permission for a shed?

A shed can be a great addition to your garden, especially when you’re struggling for space. We have a range of expertly made, good-quality sheds to suit all budgets. But before you choose, it’s probably worth thinking about where you want to put it and checking if you need planning permission. Here we’ve put together some points to keep in mind when looking for a new shed.

Do I need planning permission?

In some cases, yes. It’s always best to check. Garden buildings like sheds tend to fall under ​‘Permitted Development’ this means that you’re generally OK to put a shed up providing it doesn’t break certain rules.

Here, we’re looking at regulations for houses in England. If you’re elsewhere in the UK or you live in a flat, maisonette or another type of building you should check with your local authority to see what rules apply.

Things to keep in mind:

• Your shed should not be positioned forward of a wall that forms the principal elevation of the property – This basically means that you cannot put a shed up at the front of your property without permission.
• It must be single-storey.
• If the shed stands less than 2 metres from one or more boundaries of the property, the overall height should not exceed 2.5 metres.
• The eaves, or the lowest part of the roof, shouldn’t be any higher than 2.5 metres.
• The maximum height allowed is 3 metres, unless you’re going for a dual pitch roof where you can have 4 metres.
• Your shed plus any other extensions or outbuildings shouldn’t take up more than half the land around your original house. A regular garden shed shouldn’t cause you any problems but this is worth keeping in mind if you have a smaller garden or existing buildings.
• If your land is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a national park or similar and your shed will be more than 20 metres from your house, it must not take up more than 10 square metres.
• Your shed should not be designed to provide sleeping accommodation.

You usually need planning permission if…

• You want to put up a shed or other storage in woodland.
• You want to erect it on designated land.
• Your building is listed.

  Who is responsible for planning permission?

  The owner of the property or land is responsible for meeting the planning rules and building regulations. This is not something we or our installers can do for you. If you think that you might need planning permission, you must not start any work until it is granted.

  When thinking about the height of your building, you must also consider the depth of the base. We suggest preparing an even level surface made from concrete, paving slabs or decking to reduce the risk of moisture damage. This could however increase the end height of your building, meaning you might have to end up seeking permission.

  What about building regulations?

  People have been known to confuse building regulations with planning permission. Most regular-sized storage sheds do not require building regulations. Having said this, we’d always recommend checking your local authorities website to be on the safe side as well as taking a look at the Planning Portal for all of the latest news and updates.

  It is highly likely that the average garden shed will fall within permitted development but we would always recommend that you consider the style you want, decide where it will go and check the planning portal and local authority guidelines before erecting a shed. We have a range of sheds to suit your needs and get you started.