When adding a shed to your garden, the first question that often comes to mind is, “Do I need planning permission for a shed?” A shed can be a fantastic solution if you’re short on space, providing extra room for storage or a workspace. Before you buy, think about where you will put it. Also, check if you need planning permission.
To help you decide, we’ve listed some important points to consider when choosing the right shed for your garden. Read on to ensure your new shed meets all the requirements!
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Shed?
In some cases, yes, you might need planning permission for a shed. It’s always a good idea to check before making any decisions. Most garden sheds qualify as what’s known as “Permitted Development.” This usually means you can put up a shed as long as it follows specific rules.
Below, we’ve outlined the key regulations for houses in England. If you live in other parts of the UK or in a flat or maisonette, you’ll need to check with your local authority for specific rules.
Things to remember when building a shed
- Positioning: Your shed cannot be placed at the front of your property (in front of the main wall) without permission. It’s best to put it in the back garden.
- Height: The shed must be single-storey. If it’s less than 2 meters away from your property’s boundaries, it shouldn’t be taller than 2.5 meters. The maximum overall height allowed is 3 meters, or 4 meters if you’re using a dual-pitched roof.
- Land Coverage: The shed and any other buildings on your land shouldn’t cover more than 50% of the total area around your house. While this won’t be an issue for a typical shed, it’s something to consider if you have a small garden or other extensions.
- Protected Areas: If you live in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a national park, and your shed is more than 20 meters from your house, it shouldn’t take up more than 10 square meters.
- Use of the Shed: Your shed can’t be used as sleeping accommodation. It should be for storage or other purposes like a workspace.
When Planning Permission is Usually Required
- If you want to put a shed on designated land or woodland.
- If your home is a listed building.
Always check the local planning authority’s guidelines to make sure your shed complies with the rules. By following these steps, you can avoid any legal issues and enjoy your new garden addition hassle-free.
How Big Can I Build a Shed without Planning Permission?
In most cases, you can have a fairly large shed without needing planning permission. However, one important rule to keep in mind is:
“No more than half the area of land around the ‘original house’ can be covered by additions or other buildings.”
This means that no more than 50% of the land around your home can be taken up by structures like sheds or extensions. The term “original house” refers to any property built before 1st July 1948. If your house was built later or has had extensions since, you’ll need to consider the property as it was on that date.
For most homeowners with average-sized gardens, this rule allows you to have a decent-sized shed without violating planning regulations. People often find they can install the shed they need without taking up too much garden space, which is ideal for maintaining a nice outdoor area.
Interestingly, even larger structures like log cabins often fall within the size limits set by permitted development rules. This means you can likely get the shed or garden building you want without needing to apply for planning permission.
Key Tips to Keep in Mind:
- Choose Your Shed Size: Find the size that suits your needs without covering too much of your garden.
- Check the Rules: Before purchasing, double-check the permitted development rules to ensure your shed complies.
- Consult if Unsure: If you’re uncertain about the size or placement of your shed, it’s always wise to contact your local planning officer for guidance.
Following these simple steps will help ensure you get the right shed for your garden without worrying about breaking any planning rules.
Conclusion
When adding a shed to your garden, the main question is often, “Do I need planning permission for a shed?” In most cases, if you follow the rules on size and placement, you won’t need permission.
Make sure your shed doesn’t cover more than half of your garden, stays within the height limits, and isn’t placed in front of your house. If you’re unsure about anything, contact your local planning office for advice. By doing this, you can enjoy your shed without any hassle!
FAQs
How many sheds can I have in my garden?
You can have as many sheds as you like in your garden, but the total area of all sheds and outbuildings must not exceed 50% of your garden’s size. If you exceed this limit, you’ll need to get planning permission.
What is the maximum size shed without planning permission?
The maximum size depends on your garden. Your shed, along with any other buildings, should not cover more than half of the land around your house. If the shed is within 2 meters of your property boundary, its height should be no taller than 2.5 meters.
What’s the biggest size shed without a permit?
You can have a shed as big as you want as long as it doesn’t take up more than 50% of your garden. If it’s far enough from the boundaries (over 2 meters away), it can be up to 3 meters tall, or 4 meters if it has a dual-pitched roof.
How close to a boundary can a shed be?
You can place your shed right up to the boundary, but if it’s less than 2 meters away, the shed’s height should not exceed 2.5 meters.
Can I put a shed in my front garden?
No, you usually cannot put a shed in your front garden without planning permission. Sheds must be placed behind the front wall of your house to follow the rules.