Why Planning Permission Matters: Exploring Its Importance

Will I Need Planning Permission ?

Will you need planning permission? Generally no, as the building is classed as a ‘Portable Building’, however, it is your responsibility to check with your local planning office. Notable exceptions to the above are listed buildings and conservation areas. It may be that you need to position the building a certain distance from the house, or boundaries, but each area is different, so we’re afraid we cannot offer accurate information.

Other general guidelines are that it must not take up more than ½ your garden, it must be behind the building line, it should be 1 metre away from the boundary (although most garden and summer buildings tend to be nearer than this), it should be less than 4 metres high (if it is an apex building) and should be 50 ft away from the nearest road. Check your phone book for your local council and ask to speak to a ‘planning officer’ to get the exact advice.

Guidelines from 1st October 2008

– Under the regulations from 1st October 2008, the following are considered to be permitted development, and don’t require planning permission, provided they adhere to the following:-

• No outbuilding to be forward of a wall forming the main elevation
• Outbuildings, garden sheds and garages to be single storey and less than 2.5m to the eaves (gutter level) and no more than 4m to the ridge (top of apex or gable end) OR 3m for any other roof.
• Maximum height of 2.5m within 2 metres of your boundary
• Not taking up more than 50% of the land around the ‘original house’
• In National Parks, the Broads, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the area covered must be less than 20 metres from the house and limited to 10 square metres

• Building Regulations
• Will not be applicable if the floor area of the building is less than 15 square metres AND contains NO sleeping accommodation
• If the building is between 15 and 30 square metres you would not normally require building regulations approval providing that the building is at least 1 metre from the boundary AND contains NO sleeping accommodation. Also, it must be constructed of substantially non-combustible materials.

Check With Neighbours Beforehand

Another thing to keep in mind, is your neighbour’s reaction – always keep them informed of what’s happening, and be prepared to alter the plans you had for locating the building if they object – it’s better in the long run, believe me!

If you are in any doubt, you can get guidance on the government planning web site you best contact would be your local planning officer, or visit our other help pages for further assistance.

Your Responsibilities

With all building work, the owner of the property (or land) in question is ultimately responsible for complying with the relevant planning rules and building regulations (regardless of the need to apply for planning permission and/or building regulations approval or not).

Do I Need Planning Permission?

This is a commonly asked question and you will find that most garden sheds, workshops, summerhouses and log cabins are exempt from most planning limits provided the building is more than 2m away from the boundary or less than 2.5m overall height. You will find this will cover most situations but it’s YOUR responsibility to check for your own location.

You can do by calling your local council and asking to speak to the planning officer. This will ensure you won’t have any issues afterwards. For more detailed advice about the question – Do I Need Planning Permission For A Garden Shed – Garden Workshop? – please visit the government web site about planning permission here.

Steel frame buildings tend to be taller and are more likely to need planning permission.

Written By Robin - Expert in Garden Buildings For 44 Years.
Hi, I'm Robin Antill, founder of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, and I use my expertise gained over 44 years in the garden buildings industry to understand that each customer is different. With my manufacturing, retailing and customer service experience my articles help people choose their ideal shed, garden workshop, summerhouse, log cabin or garden office needs to suit their requirement and that is key to satisfaction. And what do I do when I'm not writing? You may find me following Grimsby Town Football Club or riding roller coasters - so plenty of 'ups and downs' in my life.