Planning Permission
Do You Need Permission for a Garden Building?
In most cases, no planning permission is required for a garden building — thanks to something called Permitted Development.
What Is Permitted Development?
Permitted Development rights were first introduced by the government in 1948 and later updated and expanded in 2015. These rules allow homeowners to make certain improvements and additions to their property — including garden buildings — without applying for full planning permission, provided specific conditions are met.
For garden rooms and outbuildings, the relevant guidance is outlined under Class E of the government’s planning regulations.
These rules cover things like:
- Overall size and footprint
- Maximum height
- Distance from boundaries
- How the building can be used
If your project stays within these guidelines, planning permission is usually not required.
The 50% Rule Explained
One of the most important Permitted Development rules is the 50% land coverage rule.
Your garden building (combined with any existing extensions or outbuildings) must not cover more than 50% of the land around your original house. This calculation excludes the footprint of the house itself.
Example:
If your available garden space measures 100m², you can use up to 50m² for outbuildings.
If you already have:
A shed measuring 2m × 2m (4m²)
An extension measuring 3m × 2m (6m²)
That’s 10m² already used, leaving 40m² available for a new garden building under Permitted Development.
Height Restrictions
Height limits can feel a little confusing, but they’re actually quite straightforward once broken down.
The distance of the building from your boundary is the key factor.
Standard Height Limits:
Dual-pitched roof (traditional ridge roof):
Up to 4 metres at the highest point
Single-pitch or flat roof:
Up to 3 metres at the highest point
Maximum 2.5 metres at the lowest point
Within 2 Metres of a Boundary:
If any part of the building is within 2 metres of a boundary, the maximum height at any point is 2.5 metres, regardless of roof type.
Height is always measured from the highest ground level immediately next to the building.
We’ll Guide You Through It
Planning rules can feel daunting — but you don’t need to navigate them alone.
As part of our free site visit, we’ll assess your garden, discuss your plans, and advise whether your project falls within Permitted Development or if planning permission is required. If permission is needed, we’ll guide you through the next steps so there are no surprises.