Planning Permission for a Shed — Rules, Sizes, Council Quirks & PD Checklist

Planning Permission for a Shed (UK)

A clear, local-friendly guide to UK rules for garden sheds — when you can use Permitted Development, when you’ll need planning permission, and the common council “quirks” that trip people up.

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Quick Summary

Many domestic sheds fall under Permitted Development (PD) — meaning no planning application — if you meet rules on height, size, position and use. Watch for Article 4 Directions, conservation areas, and front garden placements, which often remove PD rights or require stricter control. Building Regulations usually don’t apply to standard timber sheds, but larger/heavier structures or those with electrics may trigger extra requirements.

Do you need planning permission for a shed?

If your shed is a typical domestic garden building used for incidental purposes (storage, hobbies, a small workshop) and you meet the PD limits, you likely won’t need planning permission. You will need planning if you exceed limits on height/size, put it in the front garden (where it affects the principal elevation), or live in an area where PD rights are restricted (e.g., conservation area, Article 4).

Note: Flats/maisonettes do not benefit from outbuilding PD rights. For houses, PD is available unless removed.

Permitted Development basics (sheds & outbuildings)

Sheds fall under the PD rules for outbuildings at houses. To qualify, your shed must be:

  • Within the curtilage of your house (your garden/plot).
  • Incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling (not primary living accommodation).
  • Single-storey and within the relevant height limits.
  • Not forward of the principal elevation (i.e., not in most front gardens).
  • Compliant with coverage limits (total area of outbuildings/ extensions within the curtilage).
Important: In conservation areas, National Parks, AONBs, the Broads or World Heritage Sites, extra restrictions can apply. PD may be limited or removed.

For the definitive national overview, see the Planning Portal and GOV.UK guidance.

Key size & height rules (at a glance)

  • Maximum overall height: up to 4m for a dual-pitched roof; 3m for any other roof.
  • Eaves height: max 2.5m.
  • Within 2m of a boundary: the whole shed must not exceed 2.5m in height.
  • Coverage: outbuildings + extensions should not cover more than 50% of the curtilage (excluding the original house footprint).
  • Front gardens: no outbuilding permitted forward of the house’s principal elevation under PD.
Tip: If you’re near a boundary, choosing a slightly lower mono-pitch or flat roof under 2.5m can keep you inside PD.

Position, boundaries & front gardens

Position matters. Placing a shed behind the principal elevation and respecting height vs boundary rules is key. Sheds in front gardens usually need planning due to impact on street scene. Corner plots can be sensitive where you have two prominent elevations.

Warning: Don’t block sight lines or create highways safety issues on corner plots. High fences or tall sheds near junctions can draw council attention.

Use, services & Building Regulations

Standard timber sheds used for storage rarely need Building Regulations approval. However, you may trigger Building Regs or other consents if you:

  • Add a consumer unit/electrics (must be installed and certified by a competent electrician).
  • Install plumbing or drainage (e.g., WCs or sinks) — drainage and insulation details may be required.
  • Build in masonry or use a concrete slab of substantial size/weight close to boundaries or trees (foundations and surface water need consideration).
  • Change the use to a home office with frequent visitors or business use (planning change of use issues may arise).
  • Intend to use it as sleeping accommodation — this is not “incidental” and typically requires planning and Building Regulations.
Note: If your home is listed, any new structure within the curtilage may need Listed Building Consent even if small. Check early.

Local council “quirks” to check early

Beyond the national rules, councils publish guidance and can apply extra controls. Typical local “quirks” include:

  • Article 4 Directions: removing or limiting PD rights in specific streets/areas.
  • Conservation Area guidance: tighter expectations for materials, scale and visibility from the street.
  • Frontage sensitivity: resistance to sheds forward of the building line or on visible corner plots.
  • Drainage & SUDS notes: expect requests to manage surface water from large bases/roofs.
  • Aggregated outbuildings: councils may consider the total of sheds/garages/garden rooms when judging impact.
Local tip (Buckinghamshire · Milton Keynes · Guildford): We often see stricter views on front garden structures and corner plots, plus careful checks in conservation areas. A quick PD review with us can save weeks of back-and-forth.

For a deeper grounding on the rules, see our pillar guides: Planning Permission (Pillar), Do I Need Planning Permission?, Planning Permission Cost, and Planning Permission Drawings.

Permitted Development checklist

  • ✅ House (not flat/maisonette) with PD rights intact.
  • ✅ Shed is incidental (storage/hobbies) — not living space or separate business premises.
  • ✅ Behind the principal elevation (not in the front garden).
  • ✅ Height: ≤4m (dual-pitch), ≤3m (others), eaves ≤2.5m.
  • ✅ If within 2m of a boundary, overall height ≤ 2.5m.
  • ✅ Total coverage of outbuildings + extensions ≤ 50% of curtilage.
  • ✅ Not in restricted area, or restrictions checked (Conservation Area, AONB, Article 4, listed building).
  • ✅ Any electrics/plumbing installed by competent persons; Building Regulations considered where relevant.

Not sure if your idea fits Permitted Development?

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When to make a planning application

Apply for planning permission if you:

  • Want a shed that exceeds PD height/coverage or sits in the front garden.
  • Live in an area with removed PD rights (Article 4) or in a sensitive designation.
  • Plan to use the building for home office with visitors, business activities, or any form of habitable space.
  • Need to address visual impact (design/materials) due to a conservation setting or prominent corner plot.
Important: If your home is listed, consult the council early — Listed Building Consent may be required even for small structures.

If you need drawings, a location plan and a fast, tidy submission, we can manage the whole process — from making plans through to decision. See also: Do I Need Planning Permission for an Extension?, Planning Permission for a Garden Room, and Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garage?

Conclusion

Most sheds are straightforward under PD if you respect height, position and coverage, and keep the use incidental. The common snags are front garden placements, boundary heights (2.5m), and local restrictions in conservation areas or under Article 4. A quick check now can save costly changes later — and if you do need permission, a simple set of drawings and a short statement often does the job.

FAQs: sheds & planning permission

What size shed can I build without planning permission?
There’s no single “size” limit, but PD controls your height, coverage and position. Stay under the height rules (max eaves 2.5m; 4m dual-pitch/3m other; 2.5m if within 2m of a boundary), keep it behind the principal elevation, and ensure outbuildings don’t cover more than 50% of the curtilage (excluding the original house).
Can I put a shed in my front garden?
Not under PD. Outbuildings are not permitted forward of the principal elevation. A front-garden shed usually needs a planning application.
Do I need Building Regulations approval for a shed?
Most small, lightweight timber sheds used for storage won’t need Building Regs. You may need approvals/certification if you fit electrics, plumbing, or build substantial masonry with significant foundations. Always use competent installers for electrics.
How close can a shed be to my boundary?
You can place it near a boundary, but if it’s within 2m the entire shed must be ≤ 2.5m high to stay PD. Consider run-off from roofs and guttering to avoid neighbour disputes.
Can I sleep in my shed or run a business from it?
Sleeping accommodation or a business with visitors is not incidental and generally requires planning (and Building Regulations for habitable standards). Standard PD for sheds is for incidental domestic use.
What if I’m in a conservation area or my PD rights are removed?
Check for Article 4 Directions and local conservation policies. You may need permission even for modest sheds, especially if visible from the street or affecting character. We can review your address and confirm your options.
Do I need my neighbour’s permission?
No formal consent is required under planning, but good neighbour relations help. If you’re near boundaries or need access from their side, speak with them first to avoid disputes.
Can I raise my shed on a deck or base?
Yes, but the overall height is measured from the highest ground level next to the shed. A raised deck can push you over PD height limits if not planned carefully.

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