Do You Need Planning Permission for a Shed? (UK 2025 Guide)
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Shed? (UK 2025 Guide)
In many cases, you don’t need planning permission for a shed in the UK — because most sheds fall under permitted development. However, there are strict rules on height, location, boundary distance, and extra restrictions for listed buildings, conservation areas, and designated land.
Use this guide as a practical checklist, then double-check your situation using official sources (linked below).
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The Quick Answer (Most UK Homes)
You typically do not need planning permission for a shed if it meets permitted development rules: it must be an outbuilding that’s incidental to the enjoyment of the home (e.g., storage, hobby, garden use), not a separate dwelling.
Most common reasons you DO need permission
- The shed is too tall (especially near boundaries)
- It’s placed in front of the principal elevation (front of the house)
- Your property is listed / on designated land / in a conservation area
- You’re adding living accommodation or something that functions like a separate residence
UK 2025 Shed Planning Rules: Height & Boundary Limits
The roof type matters. As a rule of thumb, sheds are more likely to comply when they’re: lower than 2.5m near boundaries and positioned behind the house.
| Situation | Typical permitted development height limits |
|---|---|
| Within 2m of a boundary | Max 2.5m overall height (this is the big one people get caught by) |
| More than 2m from a boundary (dual-pitched / apex roof) | Max 4m overall height |
| More than 2m from a boundary (pent / flat / mono-pitch) | Max 3m overall height |
| Eaves height (typical rule) | Max 2.5m eaves height |
Want a shed style that matches these limits? Apex Sheds | Pent Sheds | Small Sheds
Other Key Permitted Development Conditions
- Location: Outbuildings usually must not be built forward of the principal elevation (front of the house).
- Garden coverage: Outbuildings + extensions typically must not cover more than 50% of the curtilage.
- Use: Must be incidental to the main home (storage/workshop/gym) — not a separate dwelling.
- Storeys: Typically must be single storey.
- Balconies/verandas/raised platforms: Often restricted (raised platforms commonly limited to around 0.3m).
Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas & Designated Land
Extra care is needed if your property is listed or located on designated land (including many conservation areas). Permitted development rights may be restricted, and you may need planning permission even for a small shed.
If any of these apply, it’s smart to check before buying:
- Listed building / within the curtilage of a listed building
- Conservation area or similar designation
- Article 4 Direction (removes certain permitted development rights)
For higher-security storage (often planned to be compact and boundary-friendly), browse: Security Sheds or Motorbike Sheds.
Simple “Do I Need Permission?” Checklist
In most cases, you’re on safer ground if you can tick all of these:
- The shed is behind the house (not in front of the main elevation).
- It’s single storey and used for storage/workshop/hobby (not a separate home).
- If it’s within 2m of a boundary, it stays at or below 2.5m overall height.
- If it’s more than 2m from a boundary, it stays within the relevant roof height limit.
- Your property isn’t listed and isn’t subject to special restrictions (or you’ve checked them).
If you want a shed built to your size and layout (helpful for staying within height limits): Use the Shed Builder Delivery & Installation
Choosing a Shed That’s Easier to Keep Compliant
If you’re trying to avoid planning issues, these categories are often easier to fit within common limits:
- Small Sheds (ideal near boundaries)
- Medium Sheds (balanced storage + compliance)
- Pressure Treated Sheds (lower maintenance)
- Workshop Sheds (check use + size carefully)
Looking for value? Sheds on Sale Cheap Sheds