DIY Builds
Photo by Thirdman Pexels Logo Photo: Thirdman

What size shed Can I put up without planning permission?

You don't normally need Building Regulations Consent for a basic shed or outbuilding provided it's under 15 square metres and has no sleeping accommodation inside. For further advice check the Planning Portal's advice on outbuildings here.

waltons.co.uk - Waltons guide to planning permission for sheds
Do pole barn posts need to be in concrete?
Do pole barn posts need to be in concrete?

Also, be aware that simply setting posts in concrete will not prevent rot. The wood won't be in contact with the ground, but moisture is absorbed...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 2, 2018
How much is a 10x20 room?
How much is a 10x20 room?

Room Addition Cost Room Size Average Cost 10x10 $8,600 – $15,500 10x20 $17,200 – $31,600 12x12 $12,400 – $22,300 16x16 $22,100 – $39,700 1 more row

Read More »
Last updated Mar 15, 2019
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Promotion

Buying and building a shed in your back garden doesn’t normally require planning permission, but it’s still worth being aware of the law before you build. If you own property or land and want to do building work, then you’re responsible for making sure anything you put up meets relevant planning rules and building regulations. If you don’t abide by the rules you could risk being forced to remove your shed or outbuilding. The best advice is always to discuss your intentions with the relevant local planning authority and building control services before starting work. To find your local planning department, enter your postcode on the government’s online Planning Portal. Here’s our guide to making sure that your garden building stays on the right side of planning legislation.

Contents:

The law

Planning permission is not required for most sheds, but it is your responsibility to check Since 2008, outbuildings have been covered by ‘permitted development rights’, a type of planning classification which says that, as long as you abide by certain rules, you’re granted automatic planning permission without the need to make an application. This rule applies to a host of outbuildings including sheds, greenhouses and garages, as well as other ancillary garden buildings like sauna cabins, kennels, swimming pools, ponds, and enclosures like tennis courts. The main thing is that the outbuilding must be erected for a “purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house.” That means building for residential uses like self-contained accommodation, bedrooms, bathrooms, or kitchens is not allowed without planning permission. A storage shed is fine. Something to support a hobby like swimming, bowling or art is also fine, provided it meets height restrictions and doesn’t occupy more than half your garden. If the use of the proposed building is intrinsic to the functioning of your house, you need to get planning permission for it.

Do you need planning permission?

If you live in England or Wales, you will NOT have to apply for planning permission for your shed or garden room provided it meets the following criteria (all measurements are external): Not including the area occupied by the house, the shed does not cover more than 50% of the garden. Your shed is not located on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation – not in front of your house. The shed is single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and a maximum overall height of 4 metres if it has a dual-pitched roof, or 3 metres in any other case. If the shed is located within 2 metres of the property’s boundary, the entire building is not more than 2.5 metres high. The shed has no veranda or balcony. Raised platforms such as decking should be no higher than 30cm from ground level The floor area does not exceed 15 square metres. (Up to 30 square metres may fall under permitted development providing that other conditions are also met). The shed is for domestic use only, by those who occupy the house and contains no sleeping accommodation.

Which is better tongue and groove or overlap?
Which is better tongue and groove or overlap?

Tongue & Groove is superior to Overlap, and products showcasing tongue & groove styling (Such as floors or wall builds), generally demand a higher...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 8, 2020
What do thieves steal from sheds?
What do thieves steal from sheds?

You may be storing a number of expensive family bicycles along with some garden tools such as a lawn mower, leaf blower, pressure washer, hedge...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 30, 2022

It’s always worth double-checking the design of your shed meets the criteria for permitted development using the section about Class E structures in the government’s handy pdf guide. If in any doubt contact your local authority for clarification. Search online for ‘find my local authority’ if you’re not sure where to look.

Exceptions to the rules

You can make a planning application from home using the government’s Planning Portal As you might expect, there are always exceptions to the rules. Here are six of the most common reasons you might need to seek further advice:

1. Intended use of your shed

If you plan to install a bedroom or toilet in your shed or outbuilding, you should check whether you need planning permission to do so. Separate, self-contained living accommodation requires planning permission and also needs to meet current building regulations. If you’d like to run a business from a home office in your garden, this normally entails a straightforward planning application, and shouldn’t be a problem unless there will be significant numbers of visitors coming and going. You’re usually permitted to keep poultry, bees, pet animals, birds or other livestock in an outbuilding as long as it’s for the domestic needs or personal enjoyment of the occupants of the dwelling house.

2. Listed buildings

If you live in a listed building, you probably need Listed Building Consent for any building operations. If the development is on land immediately surrounding a listed building you probably need to submit a planning application for the work unless listed building consent has already been granted. Your local planning office will be able to advise you.

3. Designated land

Designated land includes world heritage sites, conservation areas, areas of outstanding natural beauty, national parks and the Broads. Within these protected areas the maximum total area of ground covered by any outbuildings, enclosures and pools situated more than 20 metres from any wall of the house must not exceed 10 square metres to qualify as permitted development. Other restrictions also apply, and again, it’s best to give your local planning department a call.

4. Woodland

If you own a piece of woodland that’s not attached to your house you may want to build a shed to store tools or equipment. You need to seek planning permission for any permanent structure. For details and advice, and further useful information, look at this practical guide about sheds in woodlands.

5. Scotland

Permitted development rules are stricter in Scotland, where you need planning permission if any part of your new building comes within one metre of a neighbouring property, or is more than 2.5 metres high. Find more details about the Scottish rules here.

6. Northern Ireland

The rules differ in Northern Ireland, including the permitted distance your proposed building can be from a road that passes by the back of your house. Check for clarification before you begin.

Applying for planning permission

How much would it cost to build a 12x12 wood shed?
How much would it cost to build a 12x12 wood shed?

How much does it cost to build a 12-foot by 12-foot shed? Building a shed costs an average of $60 to $150 per square foot, so a 12-foot by 12-foot...

Read More »
Last updated Aug 14, 2018
Is Keter store it out waterproof?
Is Keter store it out waterproof?

Waterproof; Perfect for keeping items dry and away... Feb 19, 2018

Read More »
Last updated Jul 5, 2020
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Promotion

You may need to apply for planning permission if your shed is close to a boundary

Image: 4.2m x 5.7m Apex Garage Log Cabin from Waltons

If you do need planning permission, or suspect you might, the first thing to do is to contact your local authority. Planning departments are usually very happy to chat through your plans and you won’t be charged for informal advice. If you do need planning permission, you can apply to any local authority in England and Wales through the government’s Planning Portal. A planning application for a garden outbuilding currently costs around £200. Building Regulations consent costs from £200- £300 upwards. Once you’ve submitted your planning application it usually takes 8-10 weeks for a decision to be made. If you’re sure your new building falls within the permitted development rules, you don’t have to apply for planning permission before erecting your building.

Don’t forget about building regulations

Your Garden Room will need to pass Building Regulations if you install electrics or plumbing Building regulations are minimum standards for design, construction and alterations to virtually every building. They’re developed by the Government and approved by Parliament. You don’t normally need Building Regulations Consent for a basic shed or outbuilding provided it’s under 15 square metres and has no sleeping accommodation inside. For further advice check the Planning Portal’s advice on outbuildings here. For all builds, normal safety standards will apply especially if you’re planning to install electrical connections or a bathroom with mains plumbing. Check with a building control body if you’re not sure whether you need approval.

Quick summary

Even large workshops can usually be erected under permitted development

As long as your shed is under 2.5m tall at the eaves, situated in your back garden away from property boundaries, and intended for a use that’s incidental to the enjoyment of your house, you probably don’t need planning permission to build it. But if you do get it wrong, the planning department can demand that you take the building down. If you’re creating a bedroom, installing a WC, or hope to run a business from your garden shed then you probably do need planning permission. If you’re at all unsure, it’s definitely worth giving the planning department at your local council a call.

More help

If you are unsure whether you need planning permission, give your local planning department a call

Find more information about garden buildings here:

For new sheds

Visit waltons.co.uk if you want a new shed. If you need help finding the best model for your garden, just call our friendly sales experts on.

Disclaimer

Please note that the content in this document does not constitute legal advice, and all planning permission decisions are dependent on local authorities. Please contact your local council for more information.

waltons.co.uk - Waltons guide to planning permission for sheds
Can I use pallets for a shed base?
Can I use pallets for a shed base?

Wooden pallets can be a great choice as a shed foundation because they have a high load capacity. Each pallet can withstand an average of 3,000...

Read More »
Last updated Aug 16, 2022
What flower means love?
What flower means love?

Camellia. The general meaning of these flowers is love, affection and admiration.

Read More »
Last updated Sep 24, 2018
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »
Promotion
Are metal sheds hotter than wood?
Are metal sheds hotter than wood?

In the Texas heat, Wiggins says a metal shed gets a lot hotter than a wood shed, while in a colder climate, a wood shed will stay a little warmer...

Read More »
Last updated May 27, 2018
How deep should a horse shelter be?
How deep should a horse shelter be?

Shelter Size The height should be at least 10 feet to allow for a rearing horse, although for small ponies you could make it shorter. Standard...

Read More »
Last updated Dec 18, 2020