Adding a garden shed, office outbuilding, or outdoor bar is a dream for many homeowners, thanks to their blend of functionality and style to enhance outdoor spaces. These versatile structures can transform a garden, providing a dedicated space for work, relaxation, or entertaining guests. However, while the idea of building a custom shed is exciting, it’s essential to consider the planning permission implications that come with it.
Understanding the regulations surrounding planning permission for sheds is crucial before starting any building project. This ensures that your dream shed complies with local laws and avoids any potential legal issues. Whether you’re envisioning a serene garden retreat, a productive home office, or a lively social space like a pub shed, knowing the planning rules will help you proceed smoothly.
Read on to learn how you can build a garden shed whilst avoiding the need to obtain planning permission.
Understanding planning permission for garden sheds in the UK
Before getting started on any building project in the UK, it’s important to be aware of the regulations around planning permission. When it comes to building a garden shed or garden room, there are a number of key considerations to be aware of in relation to planning permission.
Namely, there are three main planning restrictions that relate to the size, purpose, and placement of your garden shed. There are also separate rules around building in conservation areas. The good news is that these planning permission restrictions fall under ‘Permitted Development Rights’, meaning you can build a garden shed without planning permission, provided you comply with certain rules.
What are the planning regulations for sheds?
Whatever you choose to call your shed –a home office, a garden room, a man cave —you do not require planning permission, as long as:
Size — the garden shed is a single-storey structure, with a footprint of less than 15 square metres, that does not take up more than half of your garden area.
Use — your shed must not be built to be used as a living accommodation or for sleeping in.
Placement — your shed must not be built in front of your house and you should be aware of its proximity to your and your neighbours’ property boundaries.
Sheds with a ridged roof up to a maximum of 4 metres in height must be at least 2 metres from the boundary, whilst sheds with a roof of up to 2.5 metres in height can be as close to the boundary as you choose.
Garden room planning restrictions
As well as the regulations on size, use, and placement there are additional restrictions that limit permitted development rights. These additional restrictions come into force when constructing a garden room in a conservation area or within the curtilage (grounds) of a listed building.
Garden rooms and listed buildings
Listed buildings are properties recognised by the UK government and local councils for their cultural or historical importance. Specific planning laws are in place to protect listed buildings and maintain their original appearance.
Any structural alteration to a listed building or its grounds, such as adding an outbuilding, requires planning permission. As such constructing a garden room or a shed anywhere on the grounds of a listed property, no matter the size or location of the shed, will necessitate obtaining planning permission.
Garden rooms and designated areas
In the UK, a designated area is land with special status that is protected for its natural or cultural importance. Examples of designated areas in the UK include conservation areas, heritage sites, national parks, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
There are restrictions on the types of activities and developments that might affect a designated area. This includes building projects located inside or next to designated areas.
If your property is located in a designated area, it’s very likely that you’ll need to obtain planning permission before building any type of garden shed.
However, in certain circumstances, homeowners have been able to build garden sheds in designated areas without planning permission. In those cases, the sheds were always;
- 20 metres from the original building, and;
- Took up an area of no more than square metres.
Other things to consider before building your garden shed
Before you start your comparison of different designs and styles of sheds, it’s important to first consider how you will actually use the space.
Is it a space for relaxing? Is it an outdoor storage space, or is it a space where you plan to do focused work? Your answers to these types of questions will inform your choice of garden shed.
Offices — in order to work seamlessly from your garden room, you will need to be connected up. With the help of a professional electrician, you’ll need to set up lighting, electrical outlets/sockets and potentially a router to ensure strong Wi-Fi. If you want to include a kitchen and basin or toilet, you’ll also need to consider plumbing.
Family space — if your garden room will be for the whole family to enjoy, why not consider an all-weather family room that’s permanently based in the garden? A perfect solution to sheltering from that British summer rain on BBQ days and a great space to spend time together. With various sizes of garden rooms available, you can do whatever you want. Why not add a table-tennis table for endless family fun all year round?
Social space — during the pandemic, many people decided to create comfortable social spaces in their gardens. One of the most popular choices in the UK is an outdoor bar, otherwise known as a pub shed!
Storage — perhaps you’re in need of somewhere watertight and safe to keep equipment. From bikes and lawnmowers to garden furniture and paddling pools, they all need to be stored preferably outside of the main home. Ensure that your contents insurance covers any items of value which you store in an outside space.
You’ll also want to familiarise yourself with our guide on how to waterproof a garden shed so you can build a shed that will stand the test of time.
Ready to build a beautiful garden shed?
Still unsure of the planning rules for your outdoor DIY project? Where there is any doubt, we always advise speaking to your neighbours and your local council.
For those of you who are ready to dive in, start by checking out the range of timber products we stock for building garden sheds, offices, log cabins and garden rooms.
Now that you’re clear on the regulations on shed size, location, and use cases, see our full range of EZI garden sheds. You have a range of styles to choose from including, apex, pent, windows and windowless, single and double security doors. All sheds are made from pressure-treated tanalised timber and sizes range from 4x4m to 20x10m.
If you have any other questions about your project, you’re welcome to get in touch with the Estate Sawmills team.
