Planning Permission Guide

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Shed?

In many cases, a garden shed can be installed without applying for planning permission because it may fall within permitted development rights. However, your shed must meet certain limits and conditions, and additional restrictions may apply depending on your property and location.

This guide provides a general overview of the planning rules for sheds and other garden buildings in England. Planning rules may differ elsewhere in the UK, and you should always check the latest guidance for your property before installing a garden building.

Shed Planning Permission Rules

For a shed or other outbuilding to qualify as permitted development in England, a number of limits and conditions apply. Some of the main points to consider include:

• The building must not be positioned on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation of the original house.
• The building must be single storey.
• The maximum eaves height is 2.5 metres.
• The maximum overall height is 4 metres for a building with a dual-pitched roof, or 3 metres for any other roof.
• If any part of the building is within 2 metres of a property boundary, the maximum overall height is 2.5 metres.
• No more than half the area of land around the original house can be covered by additions or other buildings.
• Additional restrictions apply on designated land, including National Parks, conservation areas and other protected locations.
• Outbuildings within the grounds of a listed building require planning permission.

Permitted development rights for outbuildings generally apply to buildings used for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the house. They do not cover separate self-contained living accommodation, and different requirements may apply if the proposed use goes beyond normal domestic use.

These are general guidelines only. Always check the current Planning Portal guidance and contact your local planning authority if you are unsure whether your proposed garden building requires planning permission.

You can find the latest information on the Planning Portal's outbuilding guidance.

What Size Shed Can I Have Without Planning Permission?

There isn't a single maximum floor size that applies to every shed. Instead, permitted development considers factors including the building's height, position and the amount of land around the original house already covered by additions and other buildings.

Under the permitted development rules, no more than half of the land around the original house can be covered by additions or other buildings. The term "original house" generally refers to the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 if it was built before that date.

Before choosing your shed, consider where it will be positioned, its overall height and its distance from your property boundaries. You should then check these measurements against the current permitted development requirements.

If you're unsure whether your proposed shed complies, contact your local planning authority before ordering or beginning any work.

Sheds, Garden Offices and Working From Home

Using a garden building as a home office does not automatically mean planning permission is required. However, the nature and scale of its use can be important. If the building will be used primarily for business purposes, regularly receive customers or visitors, or create additional noise, traffic or other impacts, you should seek advice from your local planning authority.

Building Regulations for Sheds

Planning permission and Building Regulations are separate requirements. A small detached garden building with a floor area of less than 15 square metres will not normally require Building Regulations approval if it does not contain sleeping accommodation.

For detached buildings with a floor area between 15 and 30 square metres, Building Regulations approval will not normally be required if the building contains no sleeping accommodation and is either at least one metre from a boundary or constructed substantially from non-combustible materials.

Different requirements may apply depending on the building, its intended use and any electrical or other work involved. Check the current Planning Portal Building Regulations guidance for outbuildings for further information.

Planning Permission for Sheds on Designated Land

Additional restrictions apply to outbuildings on designated land. This can include conservation areas, National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites. There are also additional requirements for listed buildings.

If your property is in a protected area or is a listed building, check with your local planning authority before installing a shed or other garden building.

Check Before Installing Your Shed

Planning requirements depend on your individual property, the garden building you choose and how you intend to use it. Permitted development rights can also be restricted or removed in some circumstances.

This guide is provided for general information only and should not be treated as planning or legal advice. It is your responsibility to ensure that your proposed building complies with the applicable requirements. If you are unsure, contact your local planning authority before ordering or installing your garden building.

For the latest official information, visit the Planning Portal.