One of the most common questions we're asked is whether planning permission is needed for a garden shed, summerhouse or garden room. The good news is that most garden buildings fall under "permitted development" and don't require planning permission — but there are important exceptions you need to be aware of.
The General Rule: Permitted Development
In most cases, outbuildings — including sheds, summerhouses, garden rooms and playhouses — are considered permitted development. This means you can build them without applying for planning permission, provided you meet certain conditions.
Size Limits and Conditions
For a garden building to qualify as permitted development, it must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Height Restrictions
- Single-storey buildings with a pent (flat) roof must not exceed 2.5 metres in height
- Apex-roofed buildings must not exceed 4 metres at the ridge (peak)
- If the building is within 2 metres of a boundary, the maximum height is 2.5 metres (for any roof type)
2. Ground Coverage
The total area of all outbuildings (including the one you're adding) must not cover more than 50% of the land around the original house. This includes existing sheds, greenhouses and extensions.
3. Position Restrictions
- The building must not be forward of the principal elevation (the front of the house)
- It must not be on land designated as a National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or similar protected land without additional restrictions
4. Use of the Building
The building must be for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the house — such as storage, a hobby room, or a home office. It must not be used as separate living accommodation (e.g., a self-contained bedroom, kitchen or bathroom).
When You WILL Need Planning Permission
You will need to apply for planning permission if:
- The building will be taller than the permitted height limits above
- The building will be forward of the front of the house
- You live in a listed building or its curtilage
- You live in a conservation area and want to place the building on the side of the house
- The combined area of all outbuildings would exceed 50% of the garden
- You intend to use the building as separate living accommodation
- You live in a National Park, Broads, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or World Heritage Site and the building would be more than 10m² and within 20m of any wall of the house
Garden Rooms Used as Home Offices
A garden room used as a home office generally doesn't need planning permission if it meets the criteria above. However, if you're running a business from the garden room and it generates significant traffic (deliveries, visitors), or if you're using it as self-contained living accommodation, you may need permission.
Building Regulations
Building regulations are separate from planning permission. Most garden buildings don't need building regulations approval if:
- The floor area is under 15m² (no restrictions)
- The floor area is between 15m² and 30m² and the building is at least 1m from any boundary, or is constructed substantially of non-combustible material
- The building does not contain sleeping accommodation
If you're unsure whether your planned garden building needs permission, we recommend contacting your local planning authority for guidance.
Our Advice
All of our standard garden sheds, summerhouses and garden rooms are designed to comply with permitted development rules wherever possible. If you're considering a larger or bespoke building, contact us and we'll be happy to discuss your requirements.
Browse our range of garden sheds, summerhouses and garden rooms — all supplied with free professional installation across mainland UK.
