Do I need planning permission for a shed?

In recent years, planning permission rules have been updated to make it easier to carry out certain home improvements – and part of those changes affects garden buildings.

Thanks to the rules of ‘permitted developments’, building a shed doesn’t normally require planning permission. That said, it’s always worth checking that the plans for your shed don’t contravene the rules of permitted development projects. Keep reading to find out more.

Do you need planning permission for a shed?

For the vast majority of sheds in the UK, you won’t need planning permission. Building a shed in your garden is covered by permitted development rights, as long as you adhere to the rules in place. The same rules apply for other garden buildings, such as greenhouses and garages.

One of the main factors that decides if your shed is a permitted development is whether it’s an additional feature of your home or if it’s not going to be a ‘living area’ with the main property. That means it’s fine to have a shed for storage or to support a hobby such as sports or swimming equipment (if you have a pool).

If you’re planning to use your shed as a self-contained living space, bedroom, bathroom or kitchen, then you’ll need to apply for planning permission before you build the shed.

Can I put a shed up without planning?

Yes, you can. Here’s a summary of the rules you must adhere to in order to avoid having to apply for planning permission for your shed (applicable in England and Wales):

• The shed must occupy less than 50% of the total area occupied by your property
• Your shed isn’t located in front of your house
• The total floor area of the shed doesn’t exceed 15m2
• The height of the eaves of the shed doesn’t exceed 2.5 metres and the building is single storey
• If located within 2 metres of the property’s boundary the total height of the building must not exceed 2.5 metres
• It has no veranda or balcony attached to it, and any decking can be no higher than 30cm from ground level
• The shed is for domestic use only and will not contain and sleeping accommodation

Exceptions for shed planning permission

Although most sheds will be covered by permitted development rights, there are always some exceptions. You might need to apply for planning permission (or at least seek professional advice before building your shed) if:

• You plan on using your shed as accommodation or self-contained unit
• You live in a listed building
• Your property is located in a World Heritage site, Conservation Area, National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or the Broads
• The shed will be located in woodland not attached to your property
• You live in Scotland or Northern Ireland (where rules differ)

FAQs

How big can I build a shed without planning permission?

In order to build a shed that doesn’t require a planning permission application, the shed itself must adhere to the following rules:

• The shed must occupy less than 50% of the total area occupied by your property
• The total floor area of the shed doesn’t exceed 15m2
• The height of the eaves of the shed doesn’t exceed 2.5 metres and the building is single storey
• If located within 2 metres of the property’s boundary the total height of the building must not exceed 2.5 metres

How high can you build a shed without planning permission?

If you’re wondering ‘how tall can a shed be without planning permission?’ then the answer depends on what height you’re measuring. The maximum height of the shed eaves is 2.5m, with a total building height of 3m – unless the shed has a dual-pitched roof, in which case the total shed height can be up to 4m.

What is the maximum size shed without planning permission?

As a general rule, a shed can have a floor area of up to 15m2 in most locations. However, in restricted areas such as Conservation Areas or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty that maximum is 10m2.

Can I build a shed next to my neighbour’s fence?

In most cases you can build a shed next to your neighbour’s fence, as long as you adhere to the rules of a permitted development. One of the most important being that the shed’s total height must not exceed 2.5m if it is located within 2 metres of the property boundary.

If you’re planning to build a shed very close to a fence, it’s also worth considering the impact on the neighbour and the fence itself. Common issues that can arise include blocking your neighbour’s light and/or view, and a build-up of damp that damages the fence if the shed is too close.

We always recommend speaking with your neighbour first, before building a shed near their fence. You might not need official planning permission, but consulting them can help keep both you and your neighbours happy in the long run.

Do you need planning permission for a brick shed?

The same rules apply for a brick shed as for a wooden shed or a plastic shed. As long as you stick to the rules of a permitted development mentioned above, you won’t need to apply for planning permission. Though if you want official confirmation it’s always worth speaking to your local planning office.

Do I need planning permission for a shed on agricultural land or in a field?

If you own land that you want to build a shed on, you can do so without applying for planning permission as long as they meet certain criteria. The exact requirements will depend on the location of the agricultural land or field, and the intended use for your shed.

Your best first step is to contact your local planning office to discuss the plans to confirm whether or not you need planning permission for a shed on agricultural land / in a field.