A simple guide to UK shed planning rules and permitted development

A garden shed is usually considered a permitted development in the UK — meaning you can build one without applying for planning permission. But there are important rules on size, height, placement, and land use that you must follow.

This guide explains exactly when you need planning permission for a shed, how close it can be to a boundary, height limits, and the rules that apply in conservation areas, front gardens, and rented properties.

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🏡 Are Sheds Permitted Development?

For most UK homes, yes — a shed is a permitted development as long as it meets these rules.

It must be:

• ✔ For domestic use only
• ✔ Single-storey
• ✔ Below height limits
• ✔ Within the garden (the “curtilage”)
• ✔ Not taking up more than 50% of your garden
• ✔ Not in front of the property

If you meet all of the criteria below, you do not need planning permission for a shed.

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📏 Shed Planning Permission Rules

1. Height Limits

Your shed must be:

• No more than 2.5m high if it’s within 2m of a boundary
• Up to 4m high with a dual-pitched roof, if more than 2m from a boundary
• Up to 3m high with any other roof style, if more than 2m from a boundary

👉 This is the rule that catches most people out.
If the shed is near a fence, wall, or neighbour’s boundary, the maximum total height is 2.5m.

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2. Location Rules

A permitted-development shed:

• ❌ Cannot be in the front garden
• ✔ Must be behind the principal elevation of the house
• ❌ Cannot extend beyond a side elevation on Article 2(3) land (e.g., conservation areas)

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3. Garden Coverage Limit

Outbuildings (including sheds) must not cover more than:

• 50% of the total garden area
  This includes garages, shed, greenhouses, summer houses and garden offices combined.

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4. Use Rules

A shed must be:

• ✔ For incidental use (storage, tools, bikes, gardening)
• ❌ Not used as self-contained living accommodation
• ❌ Not connected to mains drainage as a bathroom or kitchen

A home office is usually fine, but overnight accommodation normally isn’t.

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🧱 How Close Can a Shed Be to a Boundary Fence?

You can put a shed right up against a fence as long as it is under 2.5 metres in height.

There is no minimum distance from a boundary in planning law.

However:

• Many people leave 30–60 cm for maintenance
• Check your property deeds for any restrictive covenants
• Ensure rainwater does not fall into a neighbour’s garden

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🏘️ Special Rules (Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings, Flats)

Some properties have additional restrictions.

Conservation Areas

You can usually build a shed, but:

• No outbuilding is allowed to the side of the house
• Height limits still apply
• Local Article 4 Directions may remove permitted development rights entirely

Always check your council’s website.

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Listed Buildings

If your home is listed:

• You will almost always need planning permission for a shed or any outbuilding
• Some councils require heritage statements, even for small sheds

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Flats & Maisonettes

Flats do not have permitted development rights for outbuildings — planning permission for a shed is required in most cases.

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🧭 Sheds in Front Gardens

A shed in front of your house always requires planning permission — regardless of size or height.

Google searches for:

• “Can I put a shed in my front garden?”
• “Front garden shed planning rules”

…come from this rule.

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❓ Do You Need Planning Permission for a Large Shed?

Usually yes, if it:

• Exceeds 2.5m height within 2m of the boundary
• Exceeds 4m height (dual pitched)
• Covers too much of the garden
• Is used as living accommodation
• Is placed in the front garden
• Is on restricted land

Large timber workshops (10×12, 12×16 etc.) often need permission due to height.

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🔧 Do I Need Building Regulations Approval for a Shed?

Normally no, unless the shed:

• Has electrical wiring (requires Part P compliance)
• Is used for sleeping or as living space
• Is over 15m² and too close to the boundary
• Is over 30m² (regulations apply)

Most normal sheds are exempt.

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🌲 Timber-Framed Bases & Foundations

If you’re installing a shed on uneven or damp ground, a timber frame base is a valid option alongside concrete, slabs, or plastic grids.

Timber frames are ideal when:

• The ground slopes
• You want raised airflow
• You need a quicker install without digging
• You plan to move the shed later

Just ensure the frame is pressure-treated and levelled properly.

For more base options, see:
👉 How to Prepare a Shed Base

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📌 Common Shed Planning Permission Myths

❌ “You can’t put a shed near a fence.”
✔ You can — as long as the total height is under 2.5m.

❌ “Every big shed needs permission.”
✔ Not if it fits the permitted-development height and placement rules.

❌ “Sheds need building regulations approval.”
✔ Only in special cases.

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Final Thoughts 🏡

Most UK homeowners can install a shed without planning permission, as long as it meets the key permitted development rules on height, boundary distance, placement, and overall garden coverage. If your shed is larger than average, positioned near a road, or your home is in a conservation area, it’s always worth double-checking the details before building.

For full official guidance, visit the Planning Portal’s Outbuilding Rules.

A quick check now ensures your shed project stays compliant — and avoids surprises later.

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🔗 Related Articles

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• Best Metal Garden Sheds UK
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• Best Wooden Garden Sheds UK
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• Best Plastic Garden Sheds UK
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• How to Prepare a Shed Base
  Simple guide on the various methods of preparing a shed base.

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❓ Shed Planning Permission – FAQs