Do I Need Planning Permission for a Shed

Adding a shed to your garden is a practical and affordable way to gain extra storage space for tools, bikes or gardening equipment. In many cases, erecting a shed is straightforward and does not require planning permission. However, UK planning laws still apply to outbuildings, and there are certain conditions and limitations you need to understand before placing one on your land. Failing to comply could lead to enforcement action, especially in areas with stricter controls or when the structure is unusually large or prominent.

Permitted Development and Garden Sheds

Most sheds can be installed under permitted development rights. These rights allow homeowners to carry out certain works without applying for planning permission, provided the proposed structure meets specific criteria. For sheds, the key rules concern height, size, location and intended use. The shed must be located at the rear or side of the house, not in front of the principal elevation facing a road. It must be single storey, with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and an overall height of no more than 4 metres if it has a dual pitched roof, or 3 metres for any other roof type. If placed within 2 metres of a boundary, the total height must not exceed 2.5 metres.

The shed must also not take up more than 50 per cent of the total area of land around the original house. This figure includes all outbuildings, extensions and other developments. If the combined footprint of these exceeds the limit, planning permission is required. These rules apply to houses, not flats or maisonettes, which do not benefit from permitted development rights in the same way. Properties in conservation areas, national parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are also subject to additional restrictions and may need permission even for modest garden buildings.

Intended Use and Planning Control

Planning permission may be needed if the use of the shed goes beyond incidental enjoyment of the home. Incidental use includes storage, housing a hobby space or potting area. However, if the shed is used as a separate residential unit, an office with regular visits from clients, or a commercial space, it is likely to fall outside the scope of permitted development. In such cases, a full planning application may be necessary, and the proposal will be assessed against local planning policies including impact on neighbours, appearance and traffic.

Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas

If your home is listed, you will need listed building consent for any new structure on the land, including a shed, regardless of its size or placement. In conservation areas or World Heritage Sites, there are often limits on garden structures, and permitted development rights may be removed through an Article 4 Direction. This means that you must apply for permission even for smaller outbuildings, especially if they are visible from the road or affect the character of the area.

Building Regulations and Safety

While most small sheds are exempt from building regulations, there are still certain standards to follow. If the shed has an internal floor area of more than 15 square metres and is located close to a boundary, or over 30 square metres in total, building regulations may apply. This is especially true if the shed will be connected to utilities or used as a workspace. Electrical safety is also important, and any wiring must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations, which covers electrical installations in domestic settings.

Examples of Shed Planning Rules in Practice

A homeowner in Sheffield built a standard timber shed at the end of their garden. It measured 2.4 metres in height, had a pitched roof and was located more than 2 metres from the boundary. As the total area of garden development was under 50 per cent and the structure was for storing bikes and tools, the project was permitted without any need for planning permission. In contrast, a resident in Devon installed a garden room intended for use as a short-term holiday let. Though it resembled a large shed, the use was deemed commercial and required full planning permission, which was refused due to access concerns and noise impact on neighbours.

Certificates of Lawful Development

If you are unsure whether your proposed shed complies with planning rules, you can apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development from your local planning authority. This is not a legal requirement but provides peace of mind and official confirmation that your shed does not need permission. It can also be useful if you sell your property in future and need to demonstrate that all additions were built lawfully.

Conclusion

In most cases, you do not need planning permission for a shed if it complies with permitted development rules regarding height, size, location and use. However, exceptions apply, particularly for properties in sensitive areas, listed buildings, or where the shed is used for business or residential purposes. Checking with your local planning authority before proceeding can help avoid complications later. With the right approach, adding a shed can be a simple and stress-free way to enhance your outdoor space.