Do I need planning permission to sleep in my shed?

The short answer is no, if you're talking about a traditional garden shed. A garden building that is to be used as a 'granny annexe' or regular sleeping accommodation will require planning permission and must meet current building regulations.

waltons.co.uk - Can I Live in my Garden Shed? – Waltons

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The modern garden shed is just as likely to be a contemporary home office, craft room, gym or decorated relaxation space as a tired tool store at the bottom of the garden.

The big question is, can you live in one?

The short answer is no, if you’re talking about a traditional garden shed. A garden building that is to be used as a ‘granny annexe’ or regular sleeping accommodation will require planning permission and must meet current building regulations. The good news? With a few modifications you can use your shed as an extra bedroom. Here’s how.

Be clear about your shed's intended use

This quality log cabin from Waltons makes an ideal occasional bedroom

Putting a sofa bed in your garden room that guests, children, or snoring partners might spend a rare night in is very different to setting up a proper bedroom that will be slept in regularly. For occasional use, most people can construct a shed or garden room under permitted development rights (i.e. without applying for planning permission) and add a sofa bed for the odd guest. However, your garden room must comply with Building Regulations if anyone is going to sleep in it. Those who want to sleep regularly in their shed, or create self-contained accommodation, must comply with Building Regulations AND apply for planning permission. It’s important to understand that planning permission and Building Regulations are not the same thing.

Comply with Building Regulations

Planning permission and Building Regulations are not the same thing

To sleep in a shed or garden room, it must comply with Building Regulations. These control the quality of the building’s structure and ensure it is safe for sleeping in. The same rules apply to converting a garage or small brick building into an annexe. Seek the advice of your local planning authority before you begin. In general, building regulations cover things like:

Foundations and floor construction

Insulation and double glazing

Electricity

Drainage

When you have completed the work to the correct standard, and it has been inspected by the relevant authority, you will receive a certificate.

Do you need planning permission?

Turning a shed into self-contained living accommodation always requires planning permission

To set your garden building up as a regularly used bedroom, or to create self-contained accommodation that can be lived in, you must apply for planning permission as well as complying with Building Regulations. Before purchasing a log cabin, garden room or summer house from Waltons, contact your local planning office. Planning permission rules differ depending on where you live in the UK, but your local council’s duty Planning Officer will be happy to guide you through the process.

Download Waltons PDF guide to Planning Permission for more information.

Council tax

Consult your council to find out if you’ll need to pay tax for a self-contained shed If you create self-contained accommodation in your shed or outbuilding, bear in mind that you may be required to pay council tax. It’s your responsibility to find out. Living in your shed, log cabin or garden room requires contact with your local planning department, but with a little effort it’s certainly possible. If you haven’t yet bought a garden building, check with your planning officer before you take the next step. He or she will be happy to help you end up with something that is safe and comfortable.

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These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

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Is there a height restriction for garden sheds?

An outbuilding can not be constructed on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation. Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof.

drawingandplanning.com - Do I need Planning Permission for Outbuildings

Permitted Development For Outbuildings

New rules regarding whether or not you can extend or add to your home without having to apply for planning permission for an outbuilding came into force on 1 October 2008. The New limits and conditions for what is allowed without the need for planning permission apply largely to the dimensions of the proposed addition, its position in relation to the house and its proximity to the boundaries of the property. Under the new regulations constructing an outbuilding that is not within designated land is considered permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, providing it meets the following limits and conditions: An outbuilding can not be constructed on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation. Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof. Maximum height of 2.5 metres in the case of a building, enclosure or container within two metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the dwellinghouse.No verandas, balconies or raised platforms. No more than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings. In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the maximum area to be covered by buildings, enclosures, containers and pools more than 20 metres from house to be limited to 10 square metres. On designated land buildings, enclosures, containers and pools at the side of properties will require planning permission.

Within the curtilage of listed buildings any outbuilding will require planning permission.

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