Does your shed need planning permission?

Warning – does your shed need planning permission?

Britons are being warned to check if garden buildings need planning permission before they start putting them up.

The outdoor building experts at Garden Buildings Direct are urging owners to check local rules and regulations before taking the plunge.

Most garden buildings are considered as permitted developments, however, some that are over a certain size do require planning permission.

The average garden shed and summerhouse is generally safe to put up, but if they exceed a certain size or height, then you could end up needing to seek planning permission.

In order to comply, the building must be placed less than 2.0m from the boundary of the property with a maximum overall height of no more than 2.5m.

Those living in Conservation Areas or a property with listed building status also need to take extra precautions.

A spokesperson for Garden Buildings Direct, said: “As homeowners look to improve their outdoor space with garden outbuildings, it’s important to be aware of the planning permission requirements.

“Factors such as the size, height, and proximity to boundaries play a significant role in determining whether planning permission is required. Your location plays a part too, in designated areas like national parks.

“Most garden sheds, summerhouses and outbuildings will be fine, but if you’re unsure, check the rules. Failing to stick to them could lead to costly legal issues, not to mention disputes with your neighbours!”

Here is Garden Building Direct’s guidelines around planning permission for garden buildings:

Size

If the structure takes up more than 50% of the land around your property or is over 30 square metres then you may need planning permission. As a general rule, a shed can have a floor area of 15 square metres.

The 50% rule is not just about how much space there was when you moved in; it’s about how much outdoor space there was when the property was originally built, or on 1 July 1948 (whichever is later). So if your home has had an extension built, or any other buildings added in the last 70 years or so, you’ll need to check how much that has taken out of your 50% allowance.

Height

The building must have a maximum eaves height of no more than 2.5 metres. If the roof is dual pitched, 4 metres is the maximum and for any other roof, 3 metres.

Positioning

If you’re planning an outbuilding to the front of your property, it must not be closer to the path or road than the original building. This could be important for people who have larger front gardens than back gardens.

Restricted areas

In restricted areas like Conservation Areas or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty the maximum is 10 square metres and must be 20 metres away from the wall of the house.

Listed status

If the original building has listed status, all garden outbuildings will need full planning permission.

Additional accommodation

If you’re planning to use your garden building or outbuilding as self contained living accommodation then you need to apply for permission.