Do I Need Planning Permission for a Shed?

In most cases, you don’t need planning permission to build a shed in your garden, as long as it meets the conditions set out under permitted development rights. However, there are specific rules around size, height, and location — especially if your property is in a sensitive area or you live on agricultural land.

Understanding these limits will help you avoid enforcement issues or neighbour disputes later.

How Big Can I Build a Shed Without Planning Permission?

You can build a shed without planning permission if the total area covered by all outbuildings — including sheds, greenhouses, and garages — does not exceed fifty percent of the total area of land around the original house. This refers to the house as it was first built, or as it stood on 1 July 1948 if it’s older. Any land occupied by extensions, patios, or decking counts towards this fifty percent, so it’s important to take a full view of your existing development.

How High Can You Build a Shed Without Planning Permission?

The maximum height allowed without planning permission depends on the roof type. If the shed has a dual-pitched roof — like a traditional gable or apex roof — it can be up to four metres high. For flat-roofed sheds or those with a single-pitched roof, the maximum height is three metres. If the shed is placed within two metres of a boundary (such as a fence or wall), the height must not exceed 2.5 metres regardless of roof style. Exceeding these limits could require a formal planning application.

What Is the Maximum Size Shed Without Planning Permission?

There is no fixed maximum size in terms of square metres, but the shed must stay within the fifty percent rule mentioned earlier. Additionally, the structure must be single-storey, and the eaves must not exceed 2.5 metres in height. The shed must not include verandas, balconies, or raised platforms. It must also not be used as a living space or separate residence. If any of these conditions are not met, then full planning permission is required.

Can I Build a Shed Next to My Neighbour’s Fence?

You can usually build a shed next to a neighbour’s fence, as long as the structure doesn’t exceed 2.5 metres in height and is entirely within your property boundary. However, it's good practice to speak with your neighbour before building right up against the boundary. If the shed’s roof overhangs or guttering crosses the boundary line, that could lead to a dispute. If you live in a terraced or semi-detached house and share a party wall or fence, you may also need to follow the Party Wall Act rules for some types of work.

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Shed on Agricultural Land or in a Field?

The rules are different for sheds on agricultural land or in open fields. Agricultural buildings are not automatically covered by the same permitted development rights as domestic sheds. In many cases, a shed or storage building on farmland will require prior approval or full planning permission, especially if the land is not part of a working farm or the shed is not used strictly for agricultural purposes. If the structure will be used for tools, animals, feed, or storage on active farmland, you may qualify for permitted development under agricultural allowances, but you still need to notify the council and possibly apply for approval depending on the scale.

Planning Permission May Still Apply in Conservation Areas

If your home is in a conservation area, National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or World Heritage Site, permitted development rights can be more restricted. In these cases, even a modest shed might require planning permission — especially if it’s located to the side of the house or facing the road. Always check with your local council before starting work in protected zones.

Article 4 Directions Can Remove Your Permitted Rights

Some local councils issue Article 4 Directions that remove certain permitted development rights in specific neighbourhoods. If your property falls under one of these, you may need permission for a shed even if it would normally be allowed. This is especially common in areas with tightly managed character or uniform designs.

Use Matters — Especially If You’re Running a Business

If you plan to use your shed as a workshop, office, or business space, planning permission may be needed. Councils assess this based on:

• How much footfall or noise is generated

• Whether materials or products are stored

• If the use changes the character of a residential property

Even if the structure is within size limits, change of use rules may apply if it’s no longer being used for typical domestic purposes.

Building Regulations Can Still Apply

While most sheds are exempt from building regulations, that changes if the shed:

• Is over 15 square metres and used regularly by people

• Is over 30 square metres in floor area

• Is connected to the house in any structural way

• Contains electrics or plumbing

So if you're installing sockets, lighting, or heating in your shed — especially for office or hobby use — you’ll likely need a building control inspection and sign-off.

Drainage, Surface Water, and Flood Risk

If you’re placing a large shed on impermeable ground (e.g. concrete base or paving), you could affect surface water drainage. In flood-prone areas, councils may restrict new outbuildings or require mitigation to manage run-off. This is especially relevant for larger rural plots or homes near rivers or watercourses.

Sheds on Front Gardens May Need Permission

A shed placed in front of the house — even a small one — often requires planning permission, as it changes the appearance of the property from the street. The front of a house is much more tightly controlled under planning law than the rear garden.

Impact on Neighbours Still Matters

Even if a shed falls under permitted development, neighbours can still raise complaints if they believe it:

• Blocks sunlight to windows or gardens

• Is visually overbearing

• Has rainwater run-off onto their land

This won’t necessarily lead to a planning issue, but it could cause disputes. Councils can get involved if the shed is judged to cause nuisance or harm to residential amenity.