Garden Buildings in Birmingham

Birmingham gardens range from narrow terraced plots in Victorian and Edwardian streets to large suburban gardens further out. The building that suits you, and how it gets into your garden, depends a lot on which kind you have. This page covers the practical bits for Birmingham buyers.

Visiting from Birmingham

From the city centre, head north towards Tamworth – the display site is about 15 miles away, usually 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Use B78 3EQ in your sat nav. We're open 7 days a week and you can just drop in; if you're making a special trip, book a time or call 01543 398778 first to check the building you want to see is on show.

Getting a building into a terraced garden

Many terraces have no side access, or a shared entry between houses that's narrower than a door. Here's how it works:

• Most buildings arrive as panels or a flat-packed kit, so they can usually be carried through the house.
• Delivery is to the kerbside. The driver can't carry parts through your home, so line up a helper.
• Measure your front door, hallway, any tight turns and the back door. Tell us when we call to confirm your order, and we'll check the largest panel size with the manufacturer.
• Parking outside can be tight. Let us know about permit zones, narrow roads or weight limits so the manufacturer can plan the right vehicle.

Delivery and installation in Birmingham

• Ex-display buildings: free delivery and installation within 50 miles of Buzzards Valley, which covers the whole city. See the current ex-display buildings.
• Log cabins: free delivery by HIAB crane to the kerbside. The lorry needs room to park and lift, so tell us about overhead cables or tight streets.
• Lifelong steel and Sovereign buildings include installation, so the team carries and builds for you.
• Beeston concrete garages are installed as standard across our local Midlands area.
• Power Sheds kits can be put up by an approved installer we help you book, and Elite greenhouses can be installed locally by Glorious Greenhouses.

Planning permission in Birmingham

Most garden buildings don't need planning permission – our planning guide explains the rules. The planning authority is Birmingham City Council, and a few local points are worth knowing:

• Conservation areas: the city has 29 conservation areas, including Moseley, Edgbaston, Harborne Old Village, Kings Norton, Bournville Village, Northfield Old Village and the Jewellery Quarter. In a conservation area, a building at the side of the house needs permission.
• Bournville: homes on the Bournville Village Trust estate are covered by the Trust's scheme of management, which has its own process for applying to make alterations. Check with the Trust as well as the council.
• Flats and maisonettes don't have permitted development rights for outbuildings, so a shed for a flat normally needs permission.

Buildings that suit Birmingham gardens

• Narrow gardens: a pent-roof shed against a fence or wall, a Lifelong pent steel shed, or a lean-to greenhouse. Browse garden sheds.
• Security: if bikes live in the garden, see our guide to timber vs metal vs concrete.
• Bigger suburban plots: a log cabin, garden office or summerhouse.
• Growing: compare glass and polycarbonate greenhouses. Polycarbonate or toughened glass is worth thinking about where footballs fly over the fence.

Common questions

How far is your display site from Birmingham?

About 15 miles from Birmingham city centre, usually 35 to 45 minutes by car depending on traffic. We're at Buzzards Valley, B78 3EQ, open 7 days a week.

My terraced house has no side access. Can I still have a garden building?

Yes. Most buildings arrive as panels or a kit, which can be carried through the house. Delivery is to the kerbside, so measure your doorways and hallway, and tell us when we call so we can check the largest panel size with the manufacturer.

Do I need planning permission for a shed in Birmingham?

Usually not, if it meets the permitted development rules. Birmingham has 29 conservation areas, and some homes, such as on the Bournville estate, have extra local rules, so check before you order.

Distances and drive times are rough guides for a clear run from the town centre and will vary with traffic and your exact starting point. Planning information is general guidance, not legal advice. Always check with the council before you buy.