One of the first questions most people ask before buying a shed, summerhouse, log cabin or garden office is whether they'll need planning permission. The good news is that in England, the vast majority of garden buildings don't — they fall under what's called "permitted development". Here's a plain-English look at the main rules, so you can shop with confidence.
The basic rules for permitted development
To count as permitted development, and so not need planning permission, a garden building generally needs to be single storey, sited behind the main front wall of the house, and used for something incidental to the home — storage, a hobby room, a home gym or a garden office all count, but not as separate sleeping accommodation.
Height matters too. Within 2 metres of a boundary, the whole building must be no more than 2.5m high. Elsewhere in the garden, it can go up to 4m with a dual-pitched (apex) roof, or 3m for a pent or flat roof, with eaves no higher than 2.5m. Together with any other outbuildings and extensions, it also mustn't cover more than half the land around the original footprint of the house.
When you're more likely to need permission
A few situations fall outside permitted development. If your home is a listed building, any outbuilding in its grounds needs planning permission. On designated land — conservation areas, National Parks, National Landscapes and similar — outbuildings at the side of the house need permission too. Flats and maisonettes don't get the same permitted development rights as houses, and some newer estates have had these rights removed altogether by an Article 4 Direction or planning condition, so it's always worth checking your property's planning history if you're unsure.
Don't forget building regulations
Planning permission and building regulations are two different things. For a detached garden building under 15 square metres with no sleeping accommodation, building regulations approval isn't normally needed. Between 15 and 30 square metres, it's usually still fine as long as there's no sleeping accommodation and the building is either at least 1 metre from any boundary or built substantially from non-combustible materials. Above 30 square metres, or with sleeping accommodation, approval is normally required, and any electrical work should always be carried out by a registered electrician.
A few tips before you order
Check the dimensions on the product page, including overall height and eaves height, not just the floor size. Measure the distance to your boundaries, since building just over 2 metres back from them opens up taller options. Remember that a raised base adds to the overall height. And if you're at all unsure, your local council's planning department can confirm whether you need permission, or you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate for peace of mind.
For the full rules, including guidance for Scotland and Wales, see our detailed planning permission guide. It's also worth reading our guides to choosing the right size and preparing a base. Ready to start browsing? Take a look at our garden sheds and log cabins, or get in touch and our team will help you find a building that suits your garden and the rules.