Do You Need Planning Permission for a Greenhouse?

If you're planning to add a greenhouse to your garden, the good news is that most homeowners in the UK won’t need to apply for planning permission. Greenhouses are generally considered permitted development, meaning you can build one without formal approval — but only if it meets specific size, placement, and usage rules.

A typical domestic greenhouse falls under the umbrella of outbuildings, along with sheds, summerhouses, and garden offices. These are allowed under permitted development rights as long as the structure is for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the home, such as growing plants or storing gardening tools. However, there are limitations on height, location, and coverage that can affect whether permission is required.

For example, your greenhouse must not be built forward of the principal elevation of your house, which usually means the front. It must not take up more than half the area of land around the original house. This includes all outbuildings combined, not just the greenhouse. If the greenhouse has a dual-pitched roof, the maximum height allowed without permission is four metres. For other roof types, the maximum is three metres. If the greenhouse is within two metres of your property boundary, the maximum height drops to 2.5 metres.

In some cases, permitted development rights might not apply at all. If your property is listed or located in a designated area such as a conservation area, national park, or area of outstanding natural beauty, restrictions are much tighter. You may need to apply for planning permission even for a small structure like a greenhouse. It’s always best to check with your local planning authority if you live in one of these areas.

Greenhouses intended for commercial use are not covered by permitted development. If you plan to use the greenhouse to grow and sell plants or produce as a business, you’ll likely need full planning approval. Similarly, if the greenhouse includes features like heating systems, electrical wiring, or drainage that require additional infrastructure, it may trigger the need for building regulations approval, even if planning permission isn’t necessary.

Another factor to consider is whether your home is part of a new housing development. Many new-build properties have covenants or conditions written into the title deeds that restrict the construction of outbuildings, including greenhouses. In such cases, you may need permission from the developer or housing association, regardless of what the national planning rules say.

Also, while most greenhouses are made from glass or polycarbonate with metal or timber frames, using unusual materials or adding decorative features could change how planners view the structure. If your greenhouse significantly alters the appearance of your garden or is visible from a public road or footpath, it could raise objections if neighbours complain.

If you’re renting, you’ll also need to get the landlord’s written consent before installing any permanent structure in the garden. Tenants have no automatic right to erect outbuildings, even if they meet permitted development criteria.

To sum up, while most standard greenhouses don’t require planning permission, there are exceptions based on size, location, intended use, and property type. A quick conversation with your local council’s planning team or checking their online guidance can save a lot of trouble later. It’s also a smart move to speak with a qualified installer to ensure everything meets both planning and building standards.

Greenhouse Size vs Garden Size

The size of your greenhouse is restricted by how much outdoor space you have. If you’ve already got sheds, garden offices, or other outbuildings, your greenhouse could push you over the 50% rule. That limit says you can’t cover more than half the land around your original house with outbuildings. Extensions built after the house was first constructed don’t count as original, so they shrink your allowance.

Greenhouses on Agricultural Land

If you're thinking beyond a home garden and have access to land classed as agricultural, the planning rules are different. In that case, larger greenhouses might fall under agricultural planning regulations, and different permissions could apply depending on scale and use.

Greenhouses on Allotments            

If you’re installing a greenhouse on an allotment, you'll likely need permission from the allotment provider or local council. Some allotment sites ban permanent structures or have strict rules about size and materials. Others are more relaxed, especially if the greenhouse is modest and clearly for growing use only.

Heating and Power

If you’re adding electricity for grow lights, heating, or water pumps, building regulations might apply — even if planning permission doesn’t. Any electrical work in an outbuilding should be installed by a qualified electrician, and it needs to follow Part P of the Building Regulations.

MJ Electrical could highlight this as a value-add service: not just wiring a greenhouse, but making sure it’s compliant and safe.

Drainage and Water Runoff

Most greenhouses don’t have plumbing, but if you're installing one with integrated water systems or drainage, you’ll need to manage surface water properly. In some areas, large paved bases or drainage connections could be classed as "engineering works", which technically require permission. It’s rare, but good to be aware of if the installation is more involved than just placing a small greenhouse on the lawn.

Neighbour Disputes

Even if you follow the rules, a neighbour could still lodge a complaint if they think your greenhouse affects their light or privacy. It’s not common, but if this happens, your local council could investigate. Keeping your neighbours informed before building is a good way to avoid problems — especially if the greenhouse is near a boundary fence or tall enough to cast shade.