Building a garden shed in the UK might seem like it’s wrapped in layers of confusing building regulations, but in reality, the main rules are straightforward. Once you understand a few essentials, you can avoid the headache of council notices or potential fines and feel confident in your project’s compliance.
Even with the simplicity of Palmako’s easy-to-assemble DIY kits, it’s smart to know the basics of shed regulations in the UK. Our sheds are designed with these rules in mind so they fit beautifully into your garden without needing planning approval. Understanding just a few straightforward guidelines helps keep your project on track and free from setbacks—making it even easier to bring your DIY vision to life.
So, let’s break down the essentials of UK shed regulations—from height to size requirements—to give you peace of mind.
Understanding UK Permitted Development Rights
Under the UK’s building regulations, Permitted Development Rights include allowances for outbuildings that may not require planning permission. These outbuildings encompass sheds, garages, greenhouses, and other ancillary garden buildings, such as sauna cabins or any structure serving a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of a home.
This means that, as long as certain rules are met, we have automatic permission to build these structures without formal approval. Although we’re focusing on sheds, the regulations discussed here apply to all the outbuildings listed above.
Use and Purpose
For a shed to be considered permitted development, it cannot be self-contained (i.e., have bathrooms) or have sleeping accommodations. In addition, a shed can only be for domestic use by the occupants of the dwelling house (i.e., the main house). So, if you were thinking of operating a business from the shed, think again.
If you intend to use your shed as a self-contained living space, such as a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, or office, you must obtain planning permission before construction.
Valentine M Double Door Garden Shed
Positioning
While sheds can be permitted development, moving them a few meters to one side or the other could change that status. Generally, you are not allowed to build a shed in front of the primary elevation of the house. (this may differ slightly depending on your location)
If your land is within or close to national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, world heritage sites, or the Broads, then any shed (or outbuilding) further than 20 meters from the house can have a maximum floor area of 10 square meters.
However, this may differ depending on your location and the Local Planning Authority. We encourage you to consult with your local planning department to be sure.
Area covered
Have you ever wondered what the UK law is on shed height?
Well, the shed should be a single-storey structure with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 meters. The total height should be a maximum of 4 meters for a dual-pitched roof and 3 meters for other types of roofs. However, if the shed is within 2 meters of the fence or property’s boundary, the maximum height should not exceed 2.5 meters.
For floor area, any shed with a floor space under 15 square meters typically qualifies as permitted development, meaning it doesn’t require planning permission.
Larger sheds, between 15 and 30 square meters, may also avoid planning permission if they’re strictly used for non-residential purposes, such as storage or hobby space, without sleeping quarters or self-contained facilities. However, sheds over 15 square meters might still need Building Regulations approval to ensure safety standards are met, particularly if the shed includes plumbing and electrical systems, or presents other safety concerns.
And lastly, the shed should not cover more than 50% of the outside area surrounding your main house. So, as you choose your floor area, consider the available space and any other existing outbuilding or home extensions.
Luckily, you can find plenty of shed design options from our collection that meet these regulations. Our Mia S shed, for example, has a footprint of 3.6 sqm and is perfect for you if you have limited garden space.
Design
Aside from the height and floor space, some minor design conditions are needed for a garden shed to qualify for permitted development rights. The primary condition is that the shed cannot have any balcony or verandah. In addition, if the garden shed has any deck or raised platforms, they should be no more than 300mm off the ground.
Are the Permitted Development Rules Different in Scotlands, England, Wales, and North Ireland?
Most of the rules are generally the same across the UK; however, there are some variations in how the permitted development rights apply to shed construction.
For example, in Scotland, if the shed is built in a conservation area or within the grounds of a listed building, the foot space should be a maximum of 4 sqm, not 10 sqm. Also, garden sheds need to be a maximum of 2.5 meters if they’re 1 meter or less from your property boundary (not 2 meters like in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales)
In Northern Ireland and Wales, you cannot build a shed on the land between the side of your house and its boundary if your land falls within national parks, conservation areas, or areas of outstanding natural beauty. You may need to obtain planning permission otherwise.
Scotland’s local authority may also allow you to construct smaller sheds in front of your home, as well as at the back, as long as it’s:
- The only permitted development on your grounds and your land is not part of a World Heritage site.
- Not blocking light to another building or the sight of the road or footpath for drivers.
- Not higher than 1.5 m, not wider than 2.5m, and not deeper than 1.2 m
Our Leif XS compact garden shed would be the perfect choice in this case. It has a 2.3 m width, 1m depth, and a maximum height of 1.8 m (but you can easily reduce the height by using fewer wall panels)
Our Leif XS compact garden shed
For more information, see the specific guidelines from Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to learn more about Permitted Development rules variations across different states in the UK.
When Will You Require Planning Permission for a Shed in the UK?
Ordinarily, if your shed has met the permitted development criteria we’ve discussed, then you don’t need a shed planning permission. However, depending on your location and under certain exceptions, your local planning authority may require you to get permission to construct a shed.
Aside from not meeting one or more of the criteria for permitted development, the other main exceptions include, but are not limited to:
Building a shed on designated land
Any protected area of cultural or natural importance is considered designated land. We recommend checking with your local authority to ensure your land is not part of the designated lands.
Building a shed on the ground that has listed buildings
These are any structures or objects assigned architectural and historic interest by our English heritage and are considered to be of high national importance. We encourage you to find out if your land has a listed building to know if you may need planning permission or listed building consent before you start construction work.
Our Olaf M Modern Multi-Room Garden Shed
Let’s not forget that rules change and can be updated regularly. So, we advise you to consult with your local planning department to ensure you comply with the updated building regulations and planning rules.
If you do need planning permission, visit your local authority office to apply for shed planning permission. You can also submit the planning application through the planning portal.
Do you want to know more about how planning permission affects other garden or summer rooms? Read our insightful article here.
Build Your Next Garden Shed With Confidence!
The UK shed regulations may sound complex, but the core requirements are straightforward. A quick understanding of permitted development rights can save you time, money, and unnecessary hassle. By following a few clear guidelines, you’ll ensure your project meets legal standards and avoid any council issues that could lead to costly removals or adjustments.
Choose Palmako for Peace of Mind
With Palmako, you can let go of the stress of navigating regulations. Our garden buildings are designed to offer style, functionality, and compliance with UK-permitted development limits. Palmako’s sheds come in a variety of designs, all crafted to meet regulatory standards so that you can enjoy both a beautiful addition to your garden and complete peace of mind.
Let us make your garden dreams come true without legal and regulatory stress - check out Palmako’s selection today!
