Here’s what you need to know:
You don't need planning permission for a domestic shed/garage if you can meet all of these conditions:
You keep the shed/garage behind the front wall of your house.
You keep the total area of sheds/garages on the site to a maximum of 30 square metres.
You don't reduce your back garden or yard below 25 square metres.
You keep the height to 4m for a slated/tiled pitched roof, or 3m for any other roof type.
If building to the side of the house, you match the wall finish and roof slates/tiles of the house.
You don't live in it, or use it for keeping animals. In general, don't push the meaning of what a shed is!
Key areas to watch out for:
Make sure you don't work beyond your legal ownership boundary without permission.
For example, a typical garden wall is usually centred along the boundary line meaning that your neighbour owns the half on their side.
Requirements are different for protected structures - altering the walls or other external features may require planning permission.
You do need planning permission if you can’t meet all of the above.
Some other important things to consider when planning a build:
Anything you build (regardless of planning requirements) will have to comply with the Building Regulations - these govern everything from energy performance to the size of window openings
Depending on the size and duration of your project, you may need to appoint project supervisors to ensure your build goes safely.
Consider using the services of a registered Architect, Engineer or Surveyor who will be familiar with the planning system.
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