This guide will explain the conditions for whether or not you will need planning permission for a shed in your garden, and how to go about getting permission if you need it. The same rules will also apply to other types of garden buildings such as summerhouses, log cabins, greenhouses, and garden rooms.
The rules in this guide apply to England.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Shed?
Short answer (England): You usually don’t need planning permission for a garden shed if it meets all of the following conditions:
- It’s single-storey with eaves ≤ 2.5 m height (lowest part of the roof).
- Overall height ≤ 4 m (apex roof) or ≤ 3 m (other roof types).
- If it’s within 2 m of a boundary, total height must not exceed 2.5 m.
- No more than 50% of the land around the original house should be covered by outbuildings.
- It’s not in front of the principal elevation of your home (so, don’t put it in the front garden).
- It doesn’t feature a raised platform higher than 30cm (some children’s playhouses may be affected).
- It’s not being used for overnight accommodation or living quarters.
If you meet all of the above: Your shed is a permitted development under English law — no planning permission required.
If you don’t meet all of the above: You may require planning permission.
Extra rules apply for listed buildings, designated land, and Article 4 areas. Always check with your local planning authority if unsure.
In Scotland, the rules are very similar to the above but with different measurement numbers applied to height and boundary distances. (More details below.)
All our garden sheds are under these height limits.
If you’re reading this, you might be shopping for a new shed. In that case, check out our shed buying guide for help with comparing the myriad of options out there.
Special Considerations
Some properties have more restrictions on garden development projects. In these cases, escaping planning permission is more complicated. Here’s the breakdown.
Designated land
If your property is on designated land, extra limits apply to outbuildings. Designated land includes National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas, and World Heritage Sites.
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On all designated land, outbuildings to the side of the house are not permitted development (so you may need planning permission to build a shed down the side).
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In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and World Heritage Sites: the total area covered by buildings/enclosures/pools/containers more than 20 metres from any wall of the house must not exceed 10m² for the building project to remain permitted development. (And again, for simplicity: more than 20 metres away, 10 square metres is your building limit.) So, no massive barn or garage at the bottom of a long garden.
Listed buildings
A listed building is a structure or object that has been designated to be of high national importance in terms of historic interest or architecture. With these properties, there are additional rules regarding garden sheds or outbuildings, and they will require planning permissions. However, you shouldn’t let this deter you from building your garden shed, as there are still many options available to you. Whilst obtaining planning permission isn’t a difficult process, you should be sure to properly investigate the rules that govern Listed Buildings before you purchase any type of garden structure.
What is the Maximum Size Shed Without Planning Permission in the UK?
Up to 50% of your outdoor space can be taken up by outdoor building developments without planning permission (as long as other rules are met). Other building developments include any greenhouses, playhouses, conservatories, extensions or other work that have been done since the property was built (or, for older properties, since July 1948).
In Scotland, the 50% rule is strictly applied to the rear curtilage of the property only, as opposed to 50% of the entire outdoor curtilage of the property in England and Wales.
Wooden sheds, log cabins and other wooden buildings may have other rules applied if they have over 15 square metres of internal space, due to their combustible materials. More on this in our Building Regulations section below.
Shed Regulations UK
Building Regulations are different from planning permission. Here’s the difference:
Planning regulations for sheds:
The relevant law here is The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015
This law defines Permitted Development Rights, which allow most sheds to be built without planning permission. We already provided the details on this above.
Building Regulations for Sheds UK
The relevant law here is The Building Regulations 2010 (as amended). It’s more to do with building safety for human habitation and containment of fire hazards. You only need to worry about this section if you have a very large outbuilding (15m² or greater) and/or you plan to place it within 1m of your property boundary. (This law also has impact on turning a garden building into a ‘livable’ space such as a guest house.)
This legislation governs structural integrity, fire safety, and energy efficiency in England and Wales. Most sheds are exempt from Building Regulations, unless they meet certain conditions:
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No approval needed if:
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The internal floor area is under 15 m², and
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The shed has no sleeping accommodation.
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Usually no approval needed for sheds 15 m² to 30 m² if:
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The shed has no sleeping accommodation, and
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It is at least 1 metre from any boundary, or
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It is constructed from essentially non-combustible materials.
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Approval required if:
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The shed includes sleeping accommodation, or
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It is larger than 30 m² in floor area, or
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It’s within 1 m of a boundary and made from combustible materials.
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Electrical installations in any outbuilding must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations (Electrical Safety – Dwellings).
Some of our larger sheds and log cabins are available in sizes greater than 15 square metres, so be sure to check before purchasing.
You might find it useful to read our guide on installing electricity in your garden building.
Planning Permissions for Other Garden Buildings
ALL structures built in your garden must adhere to the planning rules, in order to be permitted developments — even a climbing frame.
Here’s what you need to know about other kinds of buildings aside from sheds:
Greenhouses
Greenhouses are subject to the same rules as sheds (see above). The same height limits, the same boundary distances, the same restrictions on different types of land. Don’t forget that you also can’t put a greenhouse in the front garden without planning permission. It doesn’t matter that it might look nicer than a shed or complement the plants you’ve got out front.
Log cabins and Summerhouses
Garden log cabins and summerhouses are also subject to the same planning rules as sheds and other buildings. But when it comes to these leisure rooms, there’s one common mistake: you can’t use them for living in. Turning a garden room into a living space or overnight accommodation incurs not only planning permission but also health and safety under the Building Regulations, not to mention it could affect your council tax if you’re adding an extra livable dwelling to the home.
If you hadn’t considered one of these buildings before, now’s a great time to learn more about them and how they can enhance the experience of your garden. Read our log cabin buying guide or our summerhouse buying guide.
Do I need planning permission for a garden office?
If you are intending to use your outbuilding as a garden office, the usual planning permission rules apply, but there’s something else that might affect you.
If you’re just a work-from-home employee looking to separate your work life from your family life, you’re probably good to go ahead with your office shed project without worrying about planning permission (provided you meet the permitted development criteria as above). However, if you’re running your own business from a garden building, planning permission might be required.
Business operations could count as a material change of use for your property, therefore incurring planning requirements. But this is more likely to apply to customer-facing or manufacturing businesses more than desk jobs. If in doubt, it’s best to ask your local authority’s planning department.
For example, a couple in Mansfield wanting to turn their outbuilding into a dog grooming studio had to submit a planning application to allow it to happen. The planning department had to consider the impact this would have on the local area, from the perspective of noise, safety, and traffic.
If you’re running a customer-facing business, you should consider:
- The frequency and number of expected visitors (including impact on parking in the area)
- The number of people who will work in the office
- Whether or not goods will be brought in and out of the garden office
Planning permission for children’s playhouses
What to Do if you Need Planning Permission
A planning application to receive planning permission needs to be made to your local planning authority (LPA) or through a planning portal. LPAs are usually the local district council or borough, and each LPA will have their own planning officer or planning consultant. They’ll also have their own website that allows the public to access necessary application forms, information on development rights and the application process, contact information, and other important documents.
Applying for planning permission for a shed in England involves several key steps. Homeowners must submit a detailed application to their local planning authority, including:
1. Application forms
Fill out the required application forms, available on the planning authority’s website.
2. Site plans and drawings
Providing detailed site plans and drawings. This must present the proposed shed’s design, size, and location in relation to the main house.
3. Fee payment
Paying the applicable application fee, which varies based on the project’s complexity. Standard householder application fees in England start at around £528 (as of April 2025).
4. Written description
Provide a written description of the project. Explain its purpose and how it adheres to planning policies.
Once submitted, you can expect the planning authority to review the application. From there, they can consider factors such as:
- impact on neighbours
- environmental concerns
- adherence to local planning guidelines
The process can take several weeks, and you’ll receive a decision in the form of an approval or rejection notice.
Timescales and Costs
These can vary depending on the project’s complexity and your LPA. Here are some key points to consider:
Timescales
- Application processing time: Typically within eight to 13 weeks. However, more straightforward applications may be decided sooner.
- Preparation time: Allocate time for project planning, design, and gathering necessary documents.
- Appeal process: Suppose your application is rejected, and you choose to appeal. This can add several months to the process.
Costs
- Application fee: The cost varies based on the scope of your project. Smaller, simpler projects tend to have lower fees. Meanwhile, larger or more complex ones may incur higher costs.
- Professional fees: This only applies if you choose to consult with planning professionals.
- Additional costs: Consider any expenses related to site surveys and site plans. Plus, other documents are required for your application.
Approval and Rejection
Let’s say your shed planning permission request is approved. You can expect to receive a formal notice from your local planning authority. This will outline the specific conditions, if any, that you must adhere to during construction. You will also receive the approval documents. These will serve as official consent to proceed with your shed project. Once approved, you can begin construction.
However, if it’s rejected, you will still receive a formal notice. This will specify the reasons for the rejection. It should provide guidance on why your shed project does not align with local policies.
Rejection doesn’t mean the end of your project. It may require further consultation with planning professionals and adjustment to your plans. You can also have the option to appeal the decision.
Appealing a Decision
When appealing a shed planning permission decision, you can expect the following:
- Formal appeal: Submit an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate within a specified timeframe. Typically, within six months of the decision. The appeal form can be found on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.
- Review by inspector: A planning inspector will be assigned to review your case. They will consider all relevant information. This includes your initial application and any additional documents or arguments you provide.
- Further consultation: You may have the opportunity to attend a hearing. Or provide additional written statements to present your case and address any concerns.
- Decision: The inspector will make a final decision. Either upholding the original rejection or granting planning permission. Their decision is binding and final.
- Timescales: The appeal process can take several months to reach a conclusion. Patience is key.
- Costs: Be prepared for potential costs associated with the appeal. This can include any professional fees or expenses for gathering additional evidence.
Appealing a decision offers a second chance to secure shed planning permission. But it requires preparation, patience, and adherence to the appeal process’s timelines.
Garden Outbuilding Planning Permission in Scotland
If you want to build a shed or log cabin in your garden in Scotland, the rules are similar to England’s but with different height limits and boundary distances.
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Your shed must be behind the house (not in front of the principal elevation).
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It can usually be built without planning permission if it’s no more than 4 m high, or 2.5 m high when within 1 m of a boundary.
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The eaves height must not exceed 3 m.
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Outbuildings must leave at least half of the garden undeveloped.
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Stricter rules apply in conservation areas, National Parks, and around listed buildings, where the permitted footprint can drop to 4–8 m².
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Flats and maisonettes don’t have these permitted development rights.
If you’re unsure, always check with your local planning authority before building — especially if your property is in a protected area.
Garden Planning Permission Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need planning permission for a greenhouse?
Greenhouses follow the same planning permission rules as other outdoor buildings. They don't require planning permission if:
- They're not in the front of the property;
- They are within the height limitations (2.5m if near a boundary, 4m dual-pitched/3m other maximum roof height and 2.5m eaves height if away from a boundary);
- They don't have a raised platform above 30cm for standing on;
- They don't contribute to more than 50% of the original garden space being covered;
- They're not on designated land under further restrictions (including listed properties).
Round-up
Getting planning permission for sheds in England may seem complicated. But then again, it’s essential to follow the rules and meet local regulations. Make sure to understand the requirements, stick to timelines and budgets, and be ready for potential appeals.
Whatever your shed is for, getting the approvals ensures it’s legal, adds value, and serves its purpose. By planning carefully and following the rules, your dream shed can become a reality.
For more information, check out these resources
Log Cabin Planning Permission – This quick guide breaks down everything you need to know about building rules for even more types of garden building.
When Do You Need Planning Permission? – A UK Gov guide to planning permission.
Planning Permission for Trees – This helpful guide provides suggestions regarding tree protection during property construction.
Planning Permission for Farms – Review the rules of planning permissions when building outbuildings on farmland.
Obtaining Planning Permission – This public service video from UKELA explains how to obtain planning permission.
Building Regulation Exemptions – This resource explains the Building Regulations 2010, which outlines the types of work that are exempt from Building Regulations.
Planning Breaches – An explanation of what happens when you fail to obtain or comply with planning permission.
Breach of Condition Notices – A breach of conditions notice will require property owners to secure planning permission compliance.
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