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.
Planning permission for garden buildings
Is my Garden Shed a Permitted Development?
Outbuildings and garden sheds are usually considered to be what’s called permitted developments. This means they shouldn’t come with any planning constraints – if you meet the criteria. Whilst they typically won’t cause contentious planning issues, before construction can get underway, there are certain limits and conditions that need to be considered.
We already summarised these permitted development criteria above, but let’s go into more detail:
- Sheds and outbuildings must be one story, and maximum eaves height (the lowest part of the roof edge) cannot exceed 2.5 metres.
- Overall, your shed cannot exceed 4 metres in height for a dual pitched (apex) roof or 3 metres with any other type of roof (pent/flat roof). This rule applies when the shed is more than 2 metres from a boundary. Compare apex to pent roof sheds.
- If a garden shed will be situated within 2 metres of a dwelling house boundary, the maximum height is 2.5 metres.
- No raised platforms, balconies, or verandas. The height limit on this is 30cm. So be careful if you are raising your building off the ground and adding stairs to enter.
- Outbuildings should cover no more than half (50%) of the area that surrounds the original home. This means any extensions built since 1 July 1948 count towards that 50%.
- Outbuildings are not allowed on land in front of a wall that forms the principal elevation, without planning permission. The ‘front’ is the part which faces a road, and if this doesn’t form a single line (e.g. L-shaped buildings or front porch extensions), the rearmost portions still count as part of the front.
- On Article 2(3) land, additional limits apply to Class E cases; some locations will require an application depending on size/position (see side-garden ban and 10 m²-over-20 m rule).
- Any outbuilding within the curtilage of a listed building will require planning permission.
Remember that these planning rules are for houses and not maisonettes, flats, or other buildings. If you’re considering constructing a garden shed or another outbuilding on one of these types of premises, you should seek further guidance regarding planning laws and guidance on flats.
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 Specific Garden Structures
Whilst a typical garden shed won’t require planning permission, other garden structures will have unique considerations that you’ll want to keep in mind if you hope to put one of these outbuildings on your property. Just remember to build any and all garden buildings on a sturdy base.
Log cabins and Summerhouses
Planning permission rules that govern outbuildings most commonly apply to log cabins, summerhouses, and other large structures. However, the criteria for erecting a log cabin, summerhouse, or a similar building is fairly straightforward – planning permission is only needed if your structure will be used for living in, goes in the front garden, or otherwise exceeds any size limitations.
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.
Greenhouses
Greenhouses would be considered permitted developments for which it’s not necessary to obtain planning permission. However, it’s important to note that any greenhouse intended for construction in a front garden may well require planning permissions.
Additionally, your title documents may prevent or restrict the construction of greenhouses on your property, so you should be sure to check out title documents to verify that these provisions aren’t in place before you get to work.
Planning permission for outdoor offices
If you are intending to use your outbuilding as a garden office, you’ll need to consider the building, its location, and the proposed use in order to determine if any legal permissions are required.
You probably won’t need planning permission, but other regulations may apply for using it to run a business. It mostly depends on whether this becomes a significant alteration to your property.
You should consider:
- The frequency and number of expected visitors
- The number of people who will work out of the office
- Whether or not goods will be brought in and out of the garden office
Planning permission for children’s playhouses
Permitted Development Rights
Permitted Development Rights play a significant role when planning to build a shed or another type of garden building. It grants homeowners certain privileges to carry out construction work without planning permission. Shed construction can often fall under these rights, but specific rules apply.
To qualify for Permitted Development, the shed must meet certain criteria. This typically includes restrictions on size, height, and location. For instance, a single-story shed should not have an eaves height about 2.5m or go over 4m total height. Moreover, it should not be placed forward of the principal elevation of the house.
Please note that these rules can vary depending on the property’s location, design, and more. It’s advisable to check with your local planning authority. This can ensure your shed project complies with Permitted Development Rights. Understanding and adhering to these can save you time, effort, and potential complications.
Special Considerations
Special considerations other than what colour to paint your garden building need to be taken into account in a few additional scenarios when building a shed, tool shed, or other outbuildings.
Designated land
If your property is situated on designated land, you will have additional limitations. Designated land refers to national parks, including conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, World Heritage Sites, and the Norfolk Broads. If you live on one of these properties and are hoping to add a garden building to your property, you’ll need to follow these planning rules:
- The maximum area to be covered by your shed found more than 20 metres away from any wall of the original house must not exceed 10 square metres in size. If these criteria are met, the shed is considered to be a permitted development.
- When constructing a garden building on designated land, no structures will be allowed on the side of your property without requiring planning permissions.
Listed buildings
A listed building is a structure or object that has been designated by English Heritage 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.
Applying for 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 Control Enforcement – The New Forest National Park explains breach of planning control procedures.
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.
Planning Permissions for Self-Build Projects – A helpful video providing tips and tricks to secure planning permissions for a self-built project.
Building Regulation Exemptions – This resource explains the Building Regulations 2010, which outlines the types of work that are exempt from Building Regulations.
Planning Permissions for Renewable Energy Projects – PlanLoCal explains how to navigate the process of obtaining planning permission for a low carbon, renewable energy project.
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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