If you are considering the installation of a garden shed, it is essential to understand its dimensions and whether planning permission is required. In this guide, we explore the largest size you can build your garden shed and whether shed planning permission is required. We’ll also highlight common planning rules and regulations that you will need to comply with and discuss how to check with your local planning authority to ensure your garden building meets all the applicable legal requirements. Read on to learn more about “How big can I build a shed in my garden”.
Editor’s Note [26.07.24]:
Our guide, “How Big Can I Build a Shed in My Garden?” was first published on April 23, 2017. Today we have made significant content upgrades throughout the entire guide. New sections include a working assumption, sheds for flats and apartments, lawful development certificates and related articles.
Working assumption
Although this article focuses on “How big can my garden shed be?” the guidance given is applicable to sheds as well as other garden buildings including greenhouses, log cabins, playhouses, summer houses, workshops, etc.
How big can I build a shed in my garden?
Shed planning permission regulations will differ from area to area, so it is always best to check with your local planning authority and building control services. Visit this “Find your local planning authority link” to search by postcode or local authority name.
It is always advisable to receive free consulting and planning advice from your local planning department which can provide detailed information about permitted development and building regulations in your area.
Below are some of the most common, widely used permission rules regarding building a shed or other garden building in your garden.
Shed planning permission rules
Sheds for flats and apartments
If you live in flats or apartments you must apply for full planning permission to erect a shed, greenhouse or other garden building. This is necessary to ensure that all residents at the shared property are agreeable to the garden building’s construction.
Sheds for houses
When calculating “How big a shed can I put in my garden” the following rules applying to sheds for houses should be considered.
Common rules
The following rules apply to sheds for houses. Ensure that your shed complies with all relevant building regulations to avoid any legal issues. You may also need to obtain permission for a shed depending on your specific circumstances:
- Sheds should be single storey with a maximum eaves’ height of 2.5m.
- Sheds should be a maximum of three metres highunless they have either an apex or dual-pitched roof, in which case they can be up to four metres high.
- There should be no raised platforms, balconies, or verandas on sheds.
- It has an occupied volume of no more than 15m squared.
- If you build a shed within two metres of your property boundary, it can only be up to 2.5 metres
- Combined with other extensions and outbuildings your shed should not cover more than 50 percent of the land around your original house.
- The shed will be at the back of the house and not in the front garden.
- The shed must not be used as a living space and for residential purposes. Examples include being used as self-contained accommodation.
Special circumstances
Other garden shed rules to bear in mind:
- Sheds should not be built forward of any walls at the front of your house.
- A shed should not impinge on conservation areas or spaces of outstanding natural beauty or any other government-protected designated land (such as a world heritage site).
- The shed is not being built in the grounds of a listed building.
- Properties with an Article 4 Direction in place will need to seek planning permission in all cases.
- Sheds cannot be built next to or close to a tree with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) without first obtaining permission from your local planning authority. A TPO protects trees from potential damage to roots or reductions in access to light and air
Permitted development and building regulations
In the UK, many sheds and other garden buildings fall under permitted development, which allows their construction without the need for a formal planning application. However, they must adhere to all the rules set above. These planning regulations enable homeowners to develop their properties with additional garden buildings, but they do so in a controlled manner that protects the aesthetic appeal of their local neighbourhood. If you have permitted development, you are granted automatic planning permission for your shed’s construction.
If in doubt, check with your local planning office.
Lawful development certificates
For extra peace of mind and to prove you do not need to obtain planning permission, a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is useful. This confirms that a building's use or a proposal is lawful for planning purposes, although obtaining one is not mandatory. You can apply for an LDC through the Planning Portal of your local council, ensuring you provide enough information to avoid application refusal.
While the process can be complex and may require professional advice, local planning officers can assist by detailing the necessary supporting information. If your application is refused, differs from your request, or is not decided within eight weeks, you have the right to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
For further information visit – The UK Planning Portal – Lawful Development Certificates.
The most popular size sheds:
8x6 is the most popular size shed, with the 6x4 and 7x5 close at its heels. These are sufficient for holding most householder's garden equipment including a lawnmower and the odd bit of garden furniture for over the winter.
Of course, we have a full range of sheds in all sizes from a 3x3 to mighty 20x12 garden workshop. View all our wooden, plastic and metal sheds here:
The neighbours:
You may also want to consider your neighbours. Good neighbours are worth a thought. Will the shed be an eyesore for them? Would you be happy if they built a similar shed with a similar effect on you? Of course, as long as you meet the planning rules then you can build your shed.
Building the Shed:
No matter what size the shed is, you must ensure it is built on a reliable, level surface. Poured concrete or concrete slabs are popular. We also offer an eco-friendly, DIY shed base option - our plastic shed bases. These kits include a membrane and squares of strong, durable plastic base which interlock to create a reliable foundation for your shed. If the garden building is larger, you will need to also fill the plastic grid with pea gravel. You can take a look at our plastic shed bases here:
To find out how to build your garden shed, take a look at our instructional video below.
Which acts of parliament are related to planning permission for sheds?
All the following acts might have a role to play in your shed planning permission application:
- Town and Country Planning Act 1990
- Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
- Planning and Compensation Act 1991
- Environment Act 1995
- Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
- Planning Act 2008
Related article
Why not read our related blog article, for additional information and insight? - Garden planning permission what do I need it for?
This related article provides detailed information on permitted development rules and when planning permission is required.
What are the potential consequences of not complying with planning rules in the UK?
Listed below are nine potential legal and financial implications of not complying with planning rules:
- Compulsory demolition - in the most severe of cases, the local planning authority may demand the demolition of unauthorised garden buildings at the owner's expense
- Criminal charges - owners may face criminal charges, leading to potential convictions and a criminal record
- Difficulties in selling - properties with unresolved planning issues are often difficult to sell
- Enforcement notices - a local authority may issue an enforcement notice. These may require unauthorised shed developments to be altered or demolished
- Fines - Property owners can be fined (perhaps heavily), for failure to comply with enforcement notices within the provided time limits
- Insurance issues - most insurance policies will void garden buildings that are built without required planning permissions, this could cause later issues
- Legal costs - Property owners may have significant legal expenses to pay while defending against or appealing planning enforcement actions
- Property devaluation - planning violations may lead to a decrease in property value
- Stress - dealing with legal proceedings is always stressful and a disruption
To avoid legal consequences, we recommend you seek the advice of your local planning department as well as legal and property experts in the more complex garden shed permission applications.
Final thoughts about shed planning permission
Whether you are seeking permission for sheds, or other garden buildings (such as summer houses, log cabins, greenhouses, etc.) you must take care with planning permission. In the case of flats, apartments and maisonettes, you will ALWAYS need planning approval.
We provided information earlier specific to obtaining planning permission for houses. We also wrote about lawful development certificates, the most popular shed sizes, and being courteous with your neighbours!
Follow these rules and you will fall on the right side of UK planning regulations and laws.
Contact us
Well, that completes our article “How big can I build a shed in my garden,” Shedstore hopes you have learned all you need to know about shed planning permission. If you need friendly helpful advice, we are here to help answer your questions, such as “How big a shed can I put in my garden”
Contact us with your questions here:
- Phone - 0333 003 0518
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