Planning permission for garden buildings
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
All timber garden structures, including sheds, summerhouses and garages are subject to planning permission rules. However, the majority of these buildings won't actually require planning permission depending on the shed's location in the garden and whether or not the area is a national park (or has another form of protected status).
[edit] Planning parameters
A garden building may be considered and permitted development and so may not require planning permission as long as:
- It is less than 2 metres from the property boundary and has a maximum overall height of no more than 2.5 metres.
- It is more than 2 metres from the boundary of the property. However, planning permission is required for some specific roof types and heights.
- It is used as self-contained living accommodation and does not have an antenna.
- No more than 50% of the area of land around the original house is taken up by garden buildings or other buildings.
- It is not closer to a road or public highway than the original house itself.
If the building complies with the above criteria, it will be possible to have a garden building up to 30 square metres (internal size).
[edit] Special cases
There are more strict rules around listed buildings, so any garden building or outbuilding that is to be placed within the curtilage of a listed property will require planning permission. If the structure is built and attached to a listed property, it will require both listed building consent and planning permission.
There are also additional limitations for properties located on designated land.
For garden buildings in designated land that is a not conservation area, the maximum area of the building is limited to 10 square metres for structures that are positioned more than 20 metres from any wall of the house. Anything larger would require planning permission. Planning permission is required for any garden building on designated land that is a conservation area.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Avoiding planning permission pitfalls.
- Conservation areas.
- Original house.
- Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act.
- Planning permission.
- Summerhouse.
- Use class.
[edit] External reference
Featured articles and news
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherit assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.