One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is:

• ‍Does my shed or summerhouse require planning permission?

In most cases, the answer is NO!

Often the installation of a shed falls under national permitted development rights, if you have these you will not require planning permission. However, your building must comply with a set of rules.

Permitted development rights are subject to conditions and limitations therefore in certain circumstances you will require planning permission.

We understand that this can be tricky and confusing therefore, this blog is here to make your life easier and help explain it to you!

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What is permitted development?

The UK Government defines Permitted Development rights as:

“Permitted Development rights allow households to improve and extend their homes without the need to apply for planning permission where that would be out of proportion with the impact of works carried out.”

However, you may not have these rights if you:

• Live in a listed building
• Live in a flat with a shared garden
• If you have a private garden that is attached to a building with flats in it
• Your house is in a conservation area e.g. a national park 
• If the land is not yours!

Under these circumstances to construct a shed or summerhouse you will need to apply for planning permission.

Timber Shed and Summerhouse Planning rules

There is a set of rules your shed and summerhouse must comply with to avoid planning permission if you have permitted development rights.

1. If your shed of summerhouse is situated within 2 metres of your property boundary, the overall height must not exceed 2.5 metres, and it may be positioned as close to the boundary as you see fit.
2. Your shed or summerhouse must be single-storey and if the building is more than 2 metres from the boundary, then the maximum overall height depends on the roof type:
   • Dual pitched roof (apex) the overall height must not exceed 4 metres
   • For any other roof (pent) the overall height must not exceed 3 metres
3. Your shed or summerhouse must not be in front of your original house, with your original house being how it looked on the 1^stof July 1948
4. All your outbuildings that fall under permitted development must not cover more than 50% of your garden.
5. Your shed or summerhouse is not to be used as self-contained living accommodation.

Therefore, if you have permitted development rights and follow these rules then your shed will not require planning permission.

We have decades of experience in constructing sheds and summerhouses therefore, our buildings will generally comply with these regulations. For any queries, you may have about a potential breach then, discuss this with us!

What if I need planning permission?

Planning permission is not as scary as you may believe, and the application process is not too complicated. But it does add two extra factors to your project:

1. Time – normally between 2 to 3 months
2.  Money

If you are willing to overcome these then you can find yourself on the way to having your dream shed or summerhouse!

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Planning Permission vs Building Regulations

It is important to note that building regulations are different from planning permission.

Planning permission is the permission required to build a building

Building regulations relating to the design and construction of buildings for example:

• Structural integrity
• Insulation
• Foundations
• Electrical safety

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Do Building Regulations apply to sheds and summerhouses?

Generally building regulations will not apply to our sheds or summerhouses as they often fall within the exemptions.

Exemptions to building regulations include:

• If your shed or summerhouse is not attached to your main home
• If your shed or summerhouse does not include sleeping accommodation
• If your shed or summerhouse floor area is less than 30 square metres internally*

*If the floor area of your shed or summerhouse is to be between 15 and 30 square metres, it must be positioned at least 1 metre from all your property boundaries, unless it is made from non-combustible materials.

However, there is an important factor which determines whether building regulations apply. That is:

• You want your shed or summerhouse to be attached to your home electricity supply. In this instance, you will need to comply with Part P of the building regulations.

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Your new Shed or Summerhouse

Lucky for you, in general, a shed or summerhouse will not require planning permission or be subject to building regulations! So, check out our website for inspiration for your new building!

If you have any further questions or queries, get in touch! We’re here to help and ensure that you and your local planning authority enjoy your new shed or summerhouse!

Information regarding planning permission is provided in good faith. Bulldog Sheds &Fencing takes no responsibility for customer planning issues. It is the customer's responsibility to check with the Local Authorities if in doubt.

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