Do I need planning permission for my shed?
No matter what changes you are making to your home, it is always best to check if you need planning permission. Please note that we are suppliers of Steel Roofing Sheets and Composite Products, and we are not certified building surveyors or planning officers. Please seek professional advice for your project and use this as a guide only.
Planning Permission rules have changed over the years, and there are now certain things that can be done to your home or garden, which are listed as 'permitted development' projects. Garden buildings are sometimes included in the permitted development projects.
However, it is always best to check that your new outbuilding will be within the guidelines, and planning permission is not needed before starting work. Any buildings without the appropriate planning permissions may be removed.
What does the law say about Planning permissions for Sheds?
*Since 2008 sheds, and other outbuildings have often been covered under the 'permitted developments rights' act. This essentially means that you are often granted automatic permission without applying as long as you are within certain rules.
What criteria should my shed fit?
If you wish to build your shed without Planning Permission, the following rules should be abided by. Please always check with your local planning offices before carrying out work. The below list is a guide and should not be considered legal advice. If you are in England or Wales and your proposed shed does not fit any of these, planning permission should be applied for.
- The Shed/outbuilding must be used for a purpose linked to the enjoyment of the residential home – The sheds must be used with the house, storage room, home office, or to support a hobby is fine. But if the room is used to home another person or for business, then planning permission must be requested. Find out more about it here.
- The shed should be built within 2m of your property’s boundaries and built on the land, in front of the wall, which creates the principal elevation of your property. (Principal elevation means the front of your house, off a road or pavement.)
- The shed should be single story with a maximum eaves height of 2.5m for a flat roof or an overall height of 4m for a dual-pitched roof.
- Once built, the shed must not cover more than 50% of the available garden space. This includes the area taken up by other structures such as Decking.
- The total floor area is no larger than 15sqm.
- Please note that these rules are for houses, and if you want to add a garden shed to your flat, maisonettes or other buildings, we recommend seeking additional guidance regarding the laws for those types of building structures.
Learn more about planning your Cladco Roofing Project and the best places to buy Roofing here. Calculate the cost and number of Sheets and Fixings you may need using the Cladco Roof Sheet Calculator.
Are there any exceptions to the rules?
As with most things, there are going to be some exceptions to the rules. The following are some of the more common reasons as to why you may need to apply for planning permission, even if the shed does not break the above rules.
Please note these are assessed on an individual case basis. You should always seek further advice from your local planning office.
- Running a business from home - If you are running a business from your home, and the shed will be used for part of that, a separate planning application may need to be obtained. You must consider the number of visitors who may be coming and going.
- Keeping livestock – Keeping livestock such as pets, birds, bees, or other animals is often permitted for domestic need or personal enjoyment of the house's occupants. If the livestock are used for money or marketing purposes, you may need to apply for planning permission
You are a listed building or within the grounds of a listed building. If the development is built on land surrounding a listed building or on the grounds of a listed building, you may need to apply for planning permission unless consent has already been granted.
- You want to build in an area of outstanding natural beauty, national parks – If you are planning on building within these protected areas, additional rules may apply, including a reduced amount of area to build on, materials used and more. Please get in touch with your local planning department for further information.
- Woodlands – If you own an area of woodland that is not attached to your house, you may need to seek permission to build a permanent structure there.
Before you start to build
For your new shed/outhouse/garden studio, we recommend checking any specifications with a certified planning permission office, surveyor or architect.
If you would like to find out more about planning permission for your building work see the following blogs:
Planning Permission for your Roof here
Planning Permission for Decking here
Planning Permission for your home here
Or, find out how we can help you build your shed with our range of bespoke Roofing Sheets, Flashings, and accessories here.
For more information about Cladco Roofing Sheets, see our website, or contact a team member on 01837 659901.
