Good news first: most garden sheds in England don’t need planning permission. They fall under “permitted development”, a set of rules that let you put up outbuildings without applying, as long as you stay within certain limits.
Here’s what those limits are, in plain English. Rules differ slightly in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check with your council if you’re outside England.
The main permitted development rules (England)
- Single storey only. No upstairs, no balconies.
- Height near a boundary: if the building is within 2m of a boundary, it can’t be more than 2.5m tall overall.
- Height elsewhere: up to 4m for a dual-pitched (apex) roof, or 3m for any other roof.
- Eaves height: no more than 2.5m.
- Coverage: outbuildings and extensions together can’t cover more than half the land around the original house.
- Not in front: it can’t sit forward of the main front wall of the house.
- Not a bedroom: outbuildings must be “incidental” to the house, so storage, a hobby room, a gym or an office are fine, but not somewhere to sleep.
Tip: For a typical shed against a fence, the 2.5m height rule is the one that matters. Most standard sheds are well under it, but tall apex sheds and log cabins can creep over.
When you might need permission
- You live in a listed building (you’ll need consent for anything within its grounds).
- You’re in a conservation area, National Park, AONB or World Heritage Site, where outbuildings at the side of the house may need permission.
- You live in a flat or maisonette. Permitted development rights don’t apply.
- Your property has had permitted development rights removed by an Article 4 direction or a planning condition.
- You want to live or sleep in it.
What about building regulations?
Building regs are separate from planning. Most sheds don’t need them. Outbuildings under 15m² with no sleeping accommodation are usually exempt. Between 15 and 30m², you’re normally exempt if the building is at least 1m from a boundary or built mainly from non-combustible materials. Bigger log cabins and garden offices with electrics need extra care.
Check before you buy
- Measure the overall height of the shed you like, including the roof.
- Measure how far it’ll be from each boundary.
- Check whether you’re in a conservation area or a listed building on your council’s website.
- If in doubt, ask your council or apply for a Lawful Development Certificate for peace of mind.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Your local planning authority has the final say, and the government’s Planning Portal has the official detail.
Planning sorted? Next up: choosing the right size and picking a base.
