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A shed in the front garden can seem practical in some cases. Maybe you have more space out front than you do at the back. Or maybe it’s easier to keep a storage unit near the drive. But are you allowed to put one there?
The answer is: Yes, but you have to get planning permission first, and this is not guaranteed to be successful.
Here’s what the rules say, when you’ll need permission, and how to avoid issues with your neighbours and security.
What the UK Rules Say About Front Garden Sheds
Most garden sheds fall under “permitted development rights” in England and Wales. That means you can put up outbuildings without planning permission as long as they follow the rules. And there can be extra restrictions on certain land.
To count as permitted development, your shed must:
- Be used for normal domestic purposes. You can’t live in it or run a business from it.
- Take up less than 50% of your total garden area, not counting the house.
- Stay within height limits: up to 2.5 m high near boundaries, or up to 4 m high with a dual-pitched roof if further away.
- Have no raised platforms for standing on above 30cm.
- Not be in front of the ‘principal elevation’ of your main house.
- Be on land that still has permitted development rights. And NOT a listed building, conservation area, or place with an Article 4 Direction.
The measurements above can differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Find more detail about this in our guide to shed planning permission.
Not sure if your shed plans meet the rules? You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate via your local planning authority. Or contact your council’s planning team for pre-application advice.
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Shed in My Front Garden?
You might not need it in general, but you will if it sits in front of the ‘principal elevation’ of your home, as mentioned. This is the part of your house that faces the road, where your front door and main windows are.
Anything placed in front of that line is outside the scope of permitted development and will need planning permission. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small shed or what it’s made of, whether a wooden shed, a metal shed, or a plastic shed.
Can You Put a Bike Shed in the Front Garden?
The planning permission rule about front garden sheds also applies to small bike sheds. There have been cases of families being ordered by the local council to remove their front garden bike sheds because they didn’t get permission first, or they were refused permission and built one anyway.
A bike shed in the front garden can save time and effort. You can grab your bicycle or your kid’s and go, without wheeling it through the house or around the back. However, even if the need for planning permission isn’t an issue for you, there are other factors you might want to think about.
While it’s convenient, it also puts your bike closer to the street, and that can attract the wrong attention. Thieves, for one, know they often hold high-value bikes.
To lower the risk, equip your bike storage with a quality, heavy duty shed lock. Use a ground anchor as an extra measure if you can, and always fasten the bike inside too. If there are windows, cover them or use frosted film so no one can see what’s in there.
When Neighbours Can Complain About Your Shed
Your neighbours can’t block your plans just because they don’t like the look of the shed. Once you get planning permission and follow the rules, you should be fine. Unless you break the conditions, they can raise issues if:
- The shed crosses a boundary or overhangs their property.
- You need to step onto their land to open doors or carry items in and out.
- You build without planning permission, and they report it.
Stay within your boundary, don’t block anyone’s view, and avoid causing any hassle. Have a look at this guide for extra advice: How Close Can Your Shed Be to a Fence
Round-up
Putting a shed in the front garden is possible, but there are more rules to follow than if it were out the back. If it’s in front of the house facing the road, you’ll probably need permission first.
It also helps to know what the shed will be used for, how you’ll keep it safe, and whether it might bother anyone nearby. When in doubt, speak to your local council or check if your home has any planning restrictions.
If you’re planning some storage for your front garden, we recommend a wooden shed. It’s easy to paint and make it look attractive to keep the neighbours happy, and we have a great range to choose from!
