When buying a new garden structure, many of our customers want to know about garden shed planning permission, and what size shed they can consider without having to worry about planning permission. The good news for most UK families is that, in many cases, you won’t have to worry. But there are rules around size, height and location that you’ll need to follow. Let’s break it down in plain English.
The Basics - Permitted Development Rights
In England (with similar but slightly different rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), most garden sheds fall under something called “permitted development”. This means you can build them without applying for planning permission — as long as they meet certain conditions.
These rights apply to houses (not flats or maisonettes) and cover outbuildings like sheds, garden offices, workshops and summerhouses.
How big can a shed be?
There isn’t actually a single maximum size limit in metres that applies to every garden. Instead, it’s about proportions and placement. Here’s what you need to know:
• It can’t take up too much of your garden - all outbuildings combined (that includes sheds, garages, summerhouses etc.) must not cover more than 50% of the land around your original house. This excludes the footprint of the house itself. So if you’ve got a generous garden, you’ve got more flexibility. If space is tight, you’ll need to be more careful with sizing.
• Height restrictions matter - height is usually the deciding factor for families choosing a shed. The maximum overall height is 4 metres for an apex roof shed and 3 metres for a pent roof or flat roof shed. However, when the shed is within 2 metres of a boundary, the maximum height is 2.5 metres, regardless of roof type.
• If you’re planning to tuck your shed neatly along a fence line, you’ll likely need to stick to the 2.5m height limit, but for most family gardens, a well-designed wooden shed under 2.5m high works perfectly and keeps everything simple.
• Under permitted development, sheds must be built behind the principal elevation of your home (that’s usually the front wall facing the road). You can’t put a large shed in your front garden without planning permission.
• Your shed must be for purposes “incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse”. In normal language, that means it can be used for storage, as a hobby room, home office, home gym, a children’s playroom. A shed cannot be used as a self-contained living space, as a separate dwelling, or as permanent accommodation. (So no turning your shed into a rental flat without going through proper planning!)
Sheds in conservation areas
It’s worth noting that if you live in a conservation area, National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or the Broads, the rules are stricter.
In these designated areas:
• Outbuildings must not be placed to the side of the house.
• There may be tighter limits on size and materials.
• You may need planning permission even if the shed would normally fall under permitted development.
• If your property is listed, you’ll almost certainly need listed building consent before adding a shed.
In these situations, it’s always worth checking with your local planning authority if you’re unsure. A quick phone call can save a lot of trouble later.
When do you definitely need planning permission for garden sheds?
You are likely to need planning permission if:
• Your shed exceeds the height limits as stated above.
• It covers more than 50% of your garden (including other outbuildings).
• It’s positioned in front of your house.
• You plan to use it as living accommodation.
• You live in a flat or maisonette (permitted development rights don’t apply).
• Your permitted development rights have been removed (sometimes this happens on new-build estates).
If in doubt, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate from your local council. This isn’t mandatory and it is not the same as planning permission, but it gives you written confirmation that your shed is legal — which can be helpful when selling your home.
Do I need planning permission for a garden shed?
For most family homes, a high-quality wooden shed will comfortably fall within permitted development rules if it:
• Sits in the rear garden
• Is under 2.5m high near boundaries
• Doesn’t dominate the space
Wooden sheds from Sutton Sheds
For the vast majority of UK families, adding a well-designed wooden garden shed is straightforward and doesn’t require planning permission — as long as you follow the size, height and location guidelines. At Sutton Sheds, all our garden structures comply to height and size requirements and do not need planning permission – where you aren’t completely sure, a trip to the Government Planning Portal will help.
To discuss a new garden shed, workshop, garage, potting shed or summerhouse, fill in our contact form or call the team on 01526 342777.
