Do I need planning permission for a shed? is one of the most common questions people ask and if you are a homeowner, it is important to understand the law when considering installing a new garden shed or other structure.
What are permitted development rights?
In 2008, the law changed to give certain outbuildings the benefit of permitted development rights. Permitted development rights allow improvements to be made to a home without having to apply for planning permission. Structures with permitted development rights include garden sheds, greenhouses and even beehives and kennels, to name just a few, provided the following criteria are met:
Criteria for permitted development structures
The shed, or structure, must cover no more than half of the garden, and must not be in front of the house. It is not to be used as sleeping accommodation and must have no balcony. If the shed has decking, the decking must be no more than 30cm from ground level.
The structure must be one storey in height, with eaves no higher than 2.5 metres. For sheds with an apex roof, the maximum permitted height is 4 metres while pent or flat roof sheds must be no taller than 3 metres. However, where a shed is positioned within 2 metres of a boundary, the entire shed must be no higher than 2.5 metres.
Whereas the majority of homeowners installing a shed will not need planning permission, there are some exceptions as follows:
When you do need planning permission for a shed
Listed buildings – where a shed is to be installed within the curtilage of a listed building, i.e. on the land immediately surrounding it, it will require planning permission.
Designated land – if your property is on designated land (national parks, conservation areas, areas of outstanding natural beauty, World Heritage Sites and the Norfolk Broads) there are further restrictions. Within designated land, a shed more than 20 metres away from any wall of the house must not occupy more than 10 square metres; if it does, planning permission is required.
Woodland – if you want to erect a shed in woodland that you own but that is not attached to your home, for example to store gardening equipment, you will need permission.
Points to remember
Any property owner is responsible for ensuring that necessary planning permission has been granted prior to installing a new shed. Where planning permission is not in place but is required, you could be made to remove the shed. Rules around planning permission are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland and advice should be taken separately. Where there is any doubt, refer to your local authority – you can find yours by entering your postcode on the government’s Planning Portal.
Timber sheds from Witham Timber
At Witham Timber we sell timber sheds to suit every style of garden, including standard apex roof sheds, security sheds and potting sheds. You can also design your own shed using the Albany Sheds 3D Shed Designer.
For any help or advice with timber garden sheds, our experienced sales team is available on 01205 359188 or via email at sales@withamtimber.co.uk