It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that all relevant building regulations have been followed, and all required permissions granted, before any structure is erected. If these are not in place and the structure is erected, owners may be forced to remove it. Sheds are no exception to this, but ‘permitted development rights’ which passed into law in 2008, mean that provided certain criteria are met, sheds are not subject to planning permission.
Permitted development rights
Permitted development rights were introduced in 2008 to allow certain building works to be carried out without the need for planning permission. Permitted development rights apply to certain garden structures and outbuildings including sheds, on the condition that certain requirements are met.
Permitted development rights – requirements
• The shed must cover less than half the garden.
• The shed must not be at the front of the house.
• The shed must not be used as a bedroom.
• The shed must not have a balcony.
• Where the shed has a decked area, it must not be more than 30cm from ground level.
• The shed must be only one storey high.
• The eaves of the shed must be a maximum of 2.5 m high.
• The maximum permitted height for an apex shed is 4 metres.
• The maximum permitted height for a pent or flat roof shed is 3 metres.
• The maximum permitted height for a shed changes where it is installed within 2 metres of a boundary, in which case the maximum height cannot exceed 2.5 metres.
The majority of sheds will not require planning permission but permission is required in certain circumstances.
Occasions when planning permission is required for a shed
Listed buildings – if a shed is to be installed on land surrounding a listed building i.e. within the curtilage of the listed building, planning permission is necessary. Where Listed Building Consent has been granted, you will not need to apply for planning permission.
Designated land – in the UK, ‘designated land’ refers to sites that have protected status due to natural and/or cultural importance. Designated land includes national parks, conservation areas, AONB (areas of outstanding national beauty), World Heritage Sites, and the Norfolk Broads. In these areas, a shed situated more than 20 metres from any wall of the house must occupy less than 10 square metres. Where it occupies more than 10 square metres, permission is necessary.
Woodland – if you own woodland that is not attached to your home, planning permission is required to erect a shed in the woodland.
Sheds in Lincolnshire from Sutton Sheds
At Sutton Sheds, we supply standard size wooden pent sheds and apex sheds, in addition to custom builds. All our sheds conform to height and size requirements and are therefore not liable for planning permission. However, where there is any doubt, it is always recommended that you consult your specific local authority for advice; details can be found by entering your postcode on the government’s Planning Portal.
If you would like to discuss a new shed anywhere in Lincolnshire, please use our contact form or give us a call on 01526 342777 today.
