Do I need planning permission for a shed?

Most garden sheds don't need planning permission. Taller buildings, buildings near the boundary or in front of the house, and anything you plan to sleep in often do. Here is how the rules work.

Updated 2026-10-06

Permitted development in England

Outbuildings in a house's garden are allowed without a planning application under permitted development, as long as all of these apply:

• It is single storey, with eaves no higher than 2.5 m.
• Its overall height is no more than 4 m with a dual-pitched (apex) roof, or 3 m for any other roof.
• If it is within 2 m of a boundary, its overall height is no more than 2.5 m.
• It is not in front of the principal elevation of the house (usually the front).
• Together with other extensions and outbuildings, it covers no more than half the land around the original house.
• It has no veranda, balcony or raised platform over 0.3 m high.
• It is not used as living accommodation, such as a bedroom.

When the rules are tighter

In conservation areas, National Parks, National Landscapes (formerly AONBs) and World Heritage Sites, outbuildings to the side of the house need planning permission, and size limits are stricter. Listed buildings need listed building consent for outbuildings in their grounds. Flats and maisonettes don't have permitted development rights for outbuildings. Some estates have had their rights removed by an Article 4 direction or a condition on the original planning permission.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Wales follows a very similar approach to England. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own permitted development rules with different limits on height, distance from boundaries and floor area. In every nation, the safest step is to check with your local council's planning department, or apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (England and Wales) if you want written confirmation.

Building regulations are separate

Planning is about whether you can build it. Building regulations are about how it is built. In England and Wales, a detached outbuilding under 15 m² with no sleeping accommodation is normally exempt. Between 15 and 30 m² it is normally exempt if it is at least 1 m from the boundary or built mainly of non-combustible materials. Electrical work must still be done to Part P.

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