Do You Need Planning Permission for a Shed?

Home » Blog » Do You Need Planning Permission for a Shed?

You may not need planning permission for a shed if it meets certain criteria like being under a certain size and not used for habitation. However, regulations can vary by area, so it’s advisable to check with your local planning authority or a qualified town planner for specific guidelines around planning permission for a shed before installing a shed to avoid the most common permitted development mistakes.

Key Highlights

• • Permitted development rights may allow for certain shed projects without the need for planning permission.
  • Houses can have permitted development rights, but not all houses have permitted development rights.
  • Flats, maisonettes, and commercial properties always need planning permission.
  • Planning constraints such as conservation areas, listed buildings, and Article 4 Directions may limit or remove permitted development rights.
  • Some specific criteria and limitations must be met for a shed to be considered permitted development, such as size, height, and location on the property.
  • Intended use and location criteria, such as using the shed as a home office or sauna cabin, may require planning permission.

Applying For Planning Permission For A Shed

If you’re considering adding a shed to your property, you may be wondering if you need planning permission for a shed. Planning permission is the approval required from your local planning authority to carry out certain types of construction or development. When it comes to sheds, the good news is that in recent years, planning permission rules have been updated to make it easier to carry out certain home improvements, including garden buildings. In most cases, you do not need planning permission for sheds, as they are classed as home improvements.

However, there are some limitations and criteria that must be met for a shed to qualify as permitted development. These criteria include the size, height, and location of the shed on your property. It’s important to understand these regulations to ensure that you are compliant and that you do not require planning permission for a shed. In this blog, we will dive into the details of understanding planning permission for a shed and the circumstances where it may be necessary.

Understanding Planning Permission for A Shed

Permitted development rights allow homeowners to make certain improvements or additions to their properties without the need for planning permission. This includes most garden buildings, such as sheds, garages, and greenhouses, as well as other ancillary garden buildings like swimming pools, ponds, and sauna cabins. 

Permitted development rights are based on specific criteria and limitations, ensuring that the development does not hurt the local area or the neighbouring properties. Understanding the rules and regulations for ancillary garden buildings is crucial when determining if you need planning permission for a shed.

Under permitted development rights, a shed can be considered permitted development if it is for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house. This means that the shed should be used for activities that are related to the main use of the property, such as storage or a hobby room. However, if you plan to use the shed as a home office or a garden room for regular work or business purposes, it may not qualify as permitted development, and you may require planning permission for a shed. It is important to check with your local planning authority or a qualified town planner to determine the specific criteria and limitations for the permitted development of sheds in your area.

Permitted Development Limitations and Constraints

While sheds are generally considered permitted development, there are still limitations and constraints that must be followed. These limitations are in place to ensure that the development does not hurt the surrounding area or neighbouring properties. 

The main limitations on permitted development for sheds include the maximum area that the shed can cover on your property and the overall height of the shed. These limitations are specific to each property and are determined by the local planning authority. 

It is important to consult with your local planning authority or a qualified town planner to determine the permitted development rules and limitations for sheds, including those for ancillary structures such as tennis courts, in your area, including the maximum area allowed for outbuildings, enclosures, and pools situated more than 20 metres from any wall of the house.

If your shed doesn’t meet the specific requirements needed to be included as permitted development, then you will need to apply for planning permission for a shed project.

Size and Height Restrictions for Sheds

When it comes to the size and height of sheds, there are specific restrictions that must be followed to qualify as permitted development. These restrictions are in place to ensure that the shed does not hurt the surrounding area or neighbouring properties. Here are some key considerations for size and height restrictions at ground level:

• Maximum overall height: The maximum overall height of a shed with a dual-pitched roof is 4 metres or 3 metres for any other type of roof.
• Eaves height: The maximum eaves height of a shed is 2.5 metres.
• The floor area of a shed should not exceed 15 square metres. However, in some cases, up to 30 square metres may be allowed under permitted development, as long as other conditions are met.

It is important to note that these restrictions may vary depending on the specific regulations set by your local planning authority. Always consult with your local planning authority or a qualified town planner to ensure compliance with the size and height restrictions for sheds in your area. If your shed does not meet the size and height restrictions, then you may need to apply for planning permission for your shed project.

Proximity to Property Boundaries

The proximity of a shed to property boundaries is another important consideration when it comes to permitted development and planning permission for a shed. The principal elevation of a shed, which is the main face of the shed, should not be located forward of a wall forming the principal elevation of the main dwelling house. This means that the shed should not be situated in front of your house. When planning for your shed, keep in mind these main points to ensure that it is in compliance with regulations and does not cause any issues with your property boundaries.

In addition, if the shed is within 2 metres of the boundary of your property, the entire building should not exceed 2.5 metres in height. This is to ensure that the shed does not have a negative impact on the neighbouring properties or obstruct the views from neighbouring properties.

It’s important to be mindful of the area of land that the shed will cover, as this should not exceed 50% of the total area of land around the “original house”. The “original house” refers to the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948. These restrictions are in place to ensure that the shed does not dominate the outdoor space or harm the overall appearance of the property.

Permitted Development Limitations for Sheds

While sheds are generally considered permitted development, there are certain situations where planning permission for a shed may still be required. These situations include properties that are listed buildings or located in designated areas such as areas of outstanding natural beauty or national parks. These areas have additional regulations and restrictions in place to protect the historical or natural significance of the area. It is important to consult with your local planning authority or a qualified town planner to determine if your property falls into any of these categories and if planning permission for a shed is required.

Intended Use and Location Criteria

The intended use and location of a shed can also determine whether you need planning permission for a shed project. If you plan to use the shed as a home office, sauna cabin, garden room, or garden shed, it may not qualify as a permitted development and may require planning permission, especially if it will be used as a garden office. 

This is because these uses may have a greater impact on the surrounding area or adjacent properties. It is important to consult with your local planning authority or a qualified town planner to determine the specific criteria and limitations for these types of uses and to ensure compliance with planning regulations, including seeking further advice if necessary.

Specific Conditions for Listed Buildings and Designated Lands

Listed buildings and properties located in designated areas such as conservation areas or world heritage sites have specific conditions and regulations in place for any type of development, including sheds. These conditions and regulations are in place to protect the historical or architectural significance of the buildings and the character of the surrounding area. Here are some specific conditions that may apply:

• Listed buildings: Any development, including sheds, within the curtilage of a listed building will require planning permission for a shed.
• Designated lands: In designated areas such as conservation areas or world heritage sites, sheds, and other developments may require planning permission. The specific conditions and regulations will vary depending on the location.

It is important to consult with your local planning authority or a qualified town planner to determine the specific conditions and regulations for sheds in listed buildings or designated areas.

Exceeding Permitted Development Limits

If your shed exceeds the limitations and criteria for permitted development, such as the maximum floor area or overall height, you will need to apply for planning permission for a shed. The limitations and criteria for permitted development are in place to ensure that the development does not hurt the surrounding area or neighbouring properties. If your shed exceeds these limits, it may require planning permission for a shed before you can proceed with the construction.

Sheds within Conservation Areas or National Parks

Sheds located within conservation areas or national parks may have additional regulations and restrictions in place. These areas are protected for their historical, architectural, or natural significance and have specific guidelines to preserve the character and integrity of the area. Sheds within conservation areas or national parks may require planning permission, even if they would otherwise be considered permitted development. It is important to consult with your local planning authority or a qualified town planner to determine the specific regulations and requirements for sheds in conservation areas or national parks. They will be able to guide you through the planning process and ensure compliance with the necessary regulations and restrictions.

How to Determine if You Need Planning Permission For A Shed

Determining whether you need planning permission for a shed can be a complex process. However, there are practical steps you can take to make this determination. One option is to use online planning portals and resources provided by local planning authorities. These portals often have guidance and tools that can help you determine whether your shed falls within permitted development rights, or if gaining planning permission for a shed project is necessary.

However, it’s worth noting that 20% of our planning applications are retrospective, usually following a planning enforcement notice and 99% of these were sure it was permitted development but got it wrong.

Another option is to submit a pre-application to your council or consult with a qualified town planner to obtain accurate and reliable pre-planning advice. A professional planning advisor can assess your specific circumstances and guide on whether planning permission decisions are required in your area. By taking these practical steps, you can ensure that you are aware of the planning regulations that apply to your shed project and proceed accordingly.

Pre-Application With Your Council

Before submitting a formal application for planning permission for a shed project, you could consider engaging in a pre-application consultation with your local council or planning authority. This process involves providing architectural drawings and a written proposal to seek guidance on your proposed shed. 

Pre-applications cost up to £600, take 4–8 weeks for a response, and offer a formal opinion on the requirements, feasibility, and likelihood of success. While not a pre-approval or any guarantee of approval, it can help address issues early on, ensuring compliance with regulations and increasing the chances of approval for your shed project through the government’s planning portal.

Planning Appraisal With A Town Planner

If you’re looking for prompt answers, a planning appraisal might be the better choice. An RTPI accredited town planner can carry out the necessary checks, including reviewing planning policies, history, and constraints, without the need for detailed drawings or a written proposal. 

Instead of waiting up to 8 weeks, you can receive the answers within a day. After conducting research, your town planner will provide you with a telephone consultation to discuss the findings and address any queries. By the end of the consultation, you will have clarity on whether planning permission for a shed is needed, along with recommended steps and chances of success if you applied for planning permission for a shed.

Understanding Building Regulations for Sheds

In addition to planning permission for a shed, it is important to understand building regulations when constructing a shed. Building regulations ensure that the shed is structurally safe, and meets certain standards. These regulations may include requirements for electrical connections, insulation, fire safety, and ventilation. It is important to consult with a qualified town planner or the local building control department to ensure that your shed complies with all relevant building regulations.

Compliance Checklist for Shed Construction

To ensure compliance with building regulations, it is important to follow a compliance checklist when constructing a shed. This checklist may include evaluating the floor area and ensuring it does not exceed the permitted limits, checking the overall height of the shed to ensure it meets regulations, and considering any specific requirements for garden buildings. By following a compliance checklist, you can ensure that your shed construction meets the necessary building regulations and normal safety standards, including the requirement that the floor area does not exceed 30 square metres.

So, Do You Need Planning Permission For A Shed Project?

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of planning permission for a shed is crucial to avoid any legal complications. 

By grasping the concepts of permitted development and the limitations surrounding shed construction, you can ensure compliance with local regulations. 

Whether it’s assessing size restrictions or proximity to boundaries, thorough planning is key. Remember to explore specific conditions for listed buildings and designated lands, as well as situations where planning permission for a shed may be necessary. By following the steps outlined and gathering the required documents, you can navigate the process smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning Permission For A Shed

What is the maximum size a shed can be without planning permission?

You wouldn’t usually need to apply for Building Regulations Consent for a basic shed or outbuilding, provided that it’s under 15 square metres and has no sleeping accommodation inside. If this isn’t the case, then you will likely need to apply for planning permission for a shed.

Do You need a permit to run electricity to my shed in the UK?

Yes, to run electricity to your shed, you will need to apply for a permit from your local authority. You may need to disclose the reason why your shed needs electricity within your application.

How close can I put a shed to my neighbour’s fence?

The current guidance around shed placements and heights concerning land boundaries is that If the location of your shed is less than 2 metres away from the land boundary, then your shed can be no larger than 2.5 metres high.