Are you thinking about a new shed for your garden? Well, you're most likely going to be asking yourself what exactly the rules are for planning permission. The UK has clear guidelines about when you actually need planning permission to build a shed and when you don't. The main criterion is the size of your shed.
The General Rule for Sheds Not Needing Planning Permission
There are certain instances when planning permission is not required due to specific conditions concerning the shed, its size, position, and usage. According to UK regulations, if it is under 2.5 meters high and placed within the back garden, it is very likely that you will not need any planning permission for constructing such sheds.
But most importantly, be sure to note the specific conditions under which your shed would qualify as exempt.
The Maximum Size Shed Without Planning Permission
The maximum size of a shed without planning permission depends on a number of factors, including whether it remains a freestanding part or forms part of the house. Here are the major limits to note.
Height:
If the shed is within 2 meters of your property boundary, the maximum height allowed is 2.5 meters.
If the shed has a pitched roof and is beyond 2 meters of the property boundary, the height limit increases to more than 4 meters.
Footprint:
The shed must not cover more than 50% of the garden. Therefore, a smaller garden area will require a smaller shed.
Use:
A shed should be one that can be used without changing its use. This means it must be for general storage or used as a workshop, but not as living space or business premises.
Unique Circumstances
Even when the shed is within the allowance, there can still be some exceptions, such as if your property is listed or falls under a conservation area. The rules may be more stringent in these cases, and even roofed structures smaller than the size limit might require planning permission.
Even when in doubt, there are different rules to follow when you want to place the shed in the front garden or near a road. Generally, these places require planning permission, and you might need one if the shed is visible from the street.
When do you require permission for planning?
If your shed is larger than the size limits, does not store its contents but is used for other purposes such as workshops, then planning permission will be required. If placed in a certain location, the shed would affect either the property's appearance or safety, then planning permission may also be required.
Wrap Up
The maximum shed size that a person is allowed to build without planning permission in the UK is mostly determined by height, footprint, and location. Provided that the shed is no more than 2.5 meters tall (up to 4 meters or 13 feet high with a pitched roof), does not take up more than 50% of your garden, and is kept in the rear garden, you should usually be able to build it without planning permission. Always check with your local planning authority if you're uncertain, especially to inquire if your property is in a special area or has other restrictions.
Following these requirements, you can create an outdoor space without having to worry about planning permission.
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