How Many Sheds Can I Have in My Garden (UK)?

Quick answer

You can have multiple sheds in your garden if (overall) they meet permitted development rules.
The most common “cap” is:

• Coverage: outbuildings + extensions must not cover more than 50% of the land around the original house (excluding the footprint of the original house).
• Height: typically 2.5m max if the shed is within 2m of a boundary; otherwise up to 4m (apex) or 3m (other roof types).
• Position: sheds usually can’t be in front of the principal elevation of your house.
• Restrictions: listed buildings, flats/maisonettes, conservation areas, and other designations can change the rules.

Trusted guidance: Planning Portal – Outbuildings (Planning Permission) and
GOV.UK – Permitted development technical guidance.

What actually limits how many sheds you can have

Think of it like a “rules checklist” rather than a number.
You could have one large shed or several smaller sheds — and both can be fine —
as long as the combined footprint and overall heights/locations stay within the rules.

Permitted development rules (most common UK scenario)

For many homeowners, sheds count as outbuildings. Outbuildings can often be installed without full planning permission
if they meet permitted development limits and conditions.

1) The 50% coverage rule (this is the big one)

The government guidance explains that the total ground area covered by buildings (outbuildings + additions) within the curtilage
must not exceed 50% of the curtilage (excluding the original house). This is why the “how many sheds” answer is usually:
“as many as fit under the 50% rule.”
(Source: GOV.UK permitted development technical guidance)

2) Height rules (especially near boundaries)

Common limits include:

• Within 2m of a boundary: maximum overall height is typically 2.5m.
• More than 2m from a boundary: up to 4m for an apex roof or 3m for other roof types (including pent roofs).

Reference: Planning Portal – Outbuildings planning permission limits.

3) Placement & special restrictions

• Front garden / principal elevation: outbuildings generally aren’t permitted in front of the principal elevation.
• Designated land: National Parks, AONBs, conservation areas, etc. can limit what’s allowed.
• Listed buildings: outbuildings in the curtilage may require planning permission.
• Flats & maisonettes: permitted development allowances differ (often not available).

Tip: If you’re planning multiple sheds, choose lower-profile roof styles for boundary edges.
Browse roof styles: Apex sheds and Pent sheds.

Do building regulations apply to sheds in the UK?

Building regulations are a separate question from planning permission.
In many cases, small detached outbuildings are exempt, especially when used as a shed/summerhouse with no sleeping accommodation,
and depending on size and boundary distance/materials.

• Under 15m²: often exempt (typical guidance says building regs “will not normally apply”).
• 15m²–30m²: may be exempt if there’s no sleeping accommodation and the building is at least 1m from a boundary (or constructed substantially of non-combustible materials).

Trusted references:
Planning Portal – Building regulations for outbuildings
and LABC – Outbuilding building regs overview.

Practical layout tips (so multiple sheds still look great)

• Split by purpose: one for tools/storage, one for bikes/motorbikes, one as a workshop.
• Keep taller apex sheds away from boundaries (helps with height limits and shading).
• Use a “service lane”: leave 60–90cm behind sheds for maintenance and airflow where possible.
• Match cladding/colour: repeating finishes makes separate sheds look intentional.
• Think access first: if you can’t wheel something in/out easily, you’ll stop using the space.

Plan Your Layout (Shed Builder)
Installation Help

Best shed types for multi-shed gardens

Here are common “multi-shed” setups that work well in UK gardens:

• Storage + workshop: pair a main storage shed with a dedicated workshop shed.
• Security + garden shed: keep high-value items in security sheds, everyday tools in garden sheds.
• Compact trio: a small shed for tools, a motorbike shed, and a garden room for hobbies.
• Budget build: spread storage across two smaller units from cheap sheds rather than one oversized shed.

Want one shed that does it all? See sizes:
Medium wooden sheds and
Large wooden sheds.

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