Do you need planning permission for a greenhouse in the UK?

Reviewed by the Palmako UK content team with insights from our garden building experts.

You’ve been nursing the idea of a greenhouse for a while, and now you’re ready to give it a go. Naturally, you’re wondering: Do I need planning permission for a greenhouse in the UK? The last thing you need is a run-in with the local council. Join us as we run through the essentials of permitted development rights for the UK.

At a glance

Most domestic greenhouses do not need permission from a local planning authority, provided they comply with permitted development rules. They should be less than 2.5m in height, preferably at the back of the property and not bigger than the main house. Rules vary in each region.

Table of Contents

• What are the permitted development rights for outbuildings?
  
  
• Planning permission vs building regulations
  
  
• Greenhouse planning permission per region in the UK
  
  
• What you can do to avoid planning permission
  
  
• Conclusion
  
  
• FAQs: Do I need planning permission for a greenhouse?

What are the permitted development rights for outbuildings?

Each region of the UK publishes a list of structures homeowners can erect on their property without planning permission from the local council. This is known as permitted development rights. Outbuildings are included on this list, provided they comply with the local council's regulations. Greenhouses, sheds, garages, saunas, conservatories, and garden rooms are classified as outbuildings. 

Standard outbuilding rules

A handful of permitted development rules apply to greenhouses, but if you keep to these rules, there shouldn’t be any problem erecting your greenhouse. 

• The greenhouse should be for personal use only (this includes growing your own produce).
  
  
• It must be located at the rear of your property, not in your front garden or principal elevation.
  
  
• The greenhouse should not be on a raised platform exceeding 0.3 metres.
  
  
• The structure should not exceed 2.5m maximum eaves height if it is within 2m of the boundary, or 4m if it is a dual-pitched roof.
  
  
• It should not cover more than 50% of your garden coverage, or be larger than the original house.

Insider Advice: Most greenhouses are considered permitted development, making it easy for homeowners to own one. The biggest issue is encroaching on your neighbour's property boundaries or exceeding the maximum height.  

Outbuilding exclusions

While the permitted development allowances for outbuildings are generous, there are circumstances in which they are excluded from the standard rules. These are:

• Designated land in areas of outstanding natural beauty (such as conservation areas, world heritage sites and national parks). 
  
  
• The property is a listed building designated for special protection. This includes buildings and properties of special historic, cultural, or architectural significance.
  
  
• You live in a block of flats. Flats fall outside permitted development, so you will need consent, even if it's a small greenhouse.

Any buildings erected on such land require planning permission, and/or listed building consent from the local authorities. You can submit your application form via the planning portal or the regional government website. 

Planning permission vs building regulations

Homeowners sometimes get confused about the difference between planning permission and building regulations. The main difference between the two is the purpose they serve:

• Planning permission (permitted development rights): Concerned with where and what you build.
  
  
• Building regulations: Focuses on how a building is constructed. 

Greenhouses must comply with building regulations if:

• Electrical heating will be installed.
  
  
• They included electrical wiring or plumbing systems, e.g., automated temperature-control units and automated watering systems, which require an electrician.

Greenhouse planning permission per region in the UK

Each region within the UK has its own planning rules, and while they revolve around the same parameters (height, boundary, location), the regional differences can affect whether you need planning consent.  

England

In England, permitted development is covered under the Town and Country Planning framework. Outbuildings are classified as a Class E building.

Scotland

Most outbuildings in Scotland do not require planning permission. The rules differ slightly from those in England, but the principles remain the same. 

In Scotland, you should check with your local authorities if you reside in protected areas. Certain environments (which can include your garden if it's near woodlands) are home to sensitive ecosystems and protected animal species. If erecting a new greenhouse or growing certain plants may disrupt these ecosystems, you will require permission. 

Wales and Northern Ireland

The permitted development rules for Wales and Northern Ireland are the same. In both regions, you do not need to apply for planning permission if the structure meets the requirements below:

• The coverage of the outbuildings does not exceed 50% of the property's total curtilage.
  
  
• The building height is less than 2.5m (flat-roof) and less than 4m (dual-pitched roof).
  
  
• The building is more than 2m from the boundary line.
  
  
• The greenhouse will not be on designated land (such as conservation areas and national parks).

What you can do to avoid planning permissions

Before you start building your greenhouse, there are several practical steps you can take to avoid the need for planning permission altogether. 

• Choose your location wisely. The greenhouse would be at the back of the property and should not take up more than 50% of your garden. 
  
  
• Most greenhouses are single-story and under 2.5m in height at the eaves, or 4m in height if they have a pitched roof. Check this carefully with the supplier. 
  
  
• Ensure that the building does not encroach on your neighbours' property or boundary wall. 
  
  
• Choose a supplier that designs their greenhouses with planning rights in mind. For example, with Palmako’s greenhouse collection, you don’t need planning permission. 

Additional information that could affect your greenhouse build:

• Under certain circumstances, the council may remove permitted development rights from certain streets in order to preserve its cultural heritage. In this case, Article 4 directions are used to protect local character. 
  
  
• This isn’t required before erecting your greenhouse, but a lawful development certificate (proving that the structure is lawful) can be obtained when you want to sell your property and include the greenhouse.

Conclusion

Across the UK, greenhouses are classified as outbuildings and do not require planning permission. However, they may require you to comply with building regulations if you will install electrical wiring and automated watering systems. Fortunately, most homeowners build greenhouses and enjoy them year-round without any problems from the local council. 

For expert advice on the type of greenhouse you need, size, and building materials, contact the experts at Palmako. They’ve helped many homeowners across the UK install greenhouses and stay within permitted development rights. 

Further greenhouse resources:  

How to choose a greenhouse

What to grow in a greenhouse 

FAQs: Do I need planning permission for a greenhouse?

1. Can I attach a greenhouse to my main home in the UK without planning permission?

No, you will not be able to attach a greenhouse to your home without planning permission. Any structure attached to the main building is considered an extension, and you will need to send in an application via the planning portal. 

2. What is retrospective planning permission?

Retrospective planning permission is an application made after you have already erected a structure or made changes to your property. This application is not guaranteed approval, and if the council rules against the changes, you may be asked to return your property to its previous condition. Currently retrospective planning permissions cost £528 in England and £190 in Wales.

3. Can I have multiple outbuildings in my garden?

Yes, technically, you can have multiple outbuildings in your garden, such as a shed, carport, and greenhouse. However, these buildings should not cover more than 50% of your garden. Each structure will need to comply with the height, size and location regulations under permitted development rights. 

4. Do I need planning permission for a small greenhouse?

In the UK, a small greenhouse measures anywhere from 1.2m x 1.2m to 1.8m x 1.2m. They do not require planning permission, provided they comply with the permitted development rights. Consideration should be given to the height (no more than 2.5m at the eaves) and the amount of space it takes up in your garden (no more than 50%). By staying within these rules, you will avoid the need for planning permission. 

5. Are there restrictions on what I can grow in my greenhouse in the UK?

Yes, there are restrictions on growing certain plants in the UK, even when grown in a greenhouse. Cannabis, invasive native plants, protected native plants, injurious weeds, and commercial produce may not be grown in greenhouses. Other restrictions are environmental rather than illegal. For example, it is not advisable to grow large plants and trees inside a greenhouse. 

6. What type of greenhouse doesn’t need planning permission in the UK?

In the UK, all greenhouses are classified as outbuildings and fall under permitted development rights. Therefore, glass, timber, polycarb, steel, aluminium, PVC, and plastic greenhouses can be built without planning permission. They must still comply with stipulations regarding size, location and height.