In the UK, a surprising 50% of the area around your home can be used for outbuildings without needing planning permission
Sheds and Outbuildings – Permitted Development – This fact shows how flexible homeowners are when adding sheds, garages, and other structures. But, understanding the planning rules and regulations can be tricky.
This guide will help you understand the rules for sheds and outbuildings.
Key Takeaways
- Outbuildings can cover up to 50% of the total area surrounding your home without requiring planning permission
- The maximum eaves height for sheds and outbuildings is 2.5 meters, unless within 2 meters of a boundary, where the limit is also 2.5 meters
- Sheds over 20 meters from the original house in designated land areas like national parks must not exceed 10 square meters
- Outbuildings must be for domestic use only and cannot contain sleeping accommodation
- Planning permission is required for bedrooms, bathrooms, or running a business from a garden office
What are Outbuildings?
Types of Outbuildings
Outbuildings are structures on the same land as a house but not part of it. They can be sheds, greenhouses, garages, or even tennis courts. You don’t always need planning permission to build them, as long as they’re the right size and in the right place.
These buildings are great for storing things, for hobbies, or to make your home better. You can have sheds for storage or greenhouses for growing plants. Knowing what you can build and where is key for homeowners wanting to add these features to their property.
If you’re thinking about building a shed, greenhouse, or a pool enclosure, learn the rules first. This way, your project will follow local planning laws and avoid any problems later.
Permitted Development Rights for Outbuildings
In the United Kingdom, outbuildings like sheds and garages often don’t need planning permission. This is if they meet certain conditions. It gives homeowners more freedom to build extra structures on their property.
But, there are rules and limits to these rights. For example, in special areas like national parks, you can’t build outbuildings next to your house.
Also, in these places, outbuildings more than 20 meters from the house can’t be bigger than 10 square meters.
Outbuildings must also follow size and height rules. They can’t take up more than half the area around the house, not counting the house itself.
They must be single-story, no higher than 4 meters, and not more than 2.5 meters high if close to the boundary.
Some structures, like balconies, need planning permission. Also, containers for heating oil or gas can’t hold more than 3,500 liters.
Knowing the rules for outbuildings is key for homeowners. It helps them build without needing a planning application.
Restrictions on Outbuildings
In the UK, there are rules for outbuildings like sheds and greenhouses. These rules help keep your property looking good and safe. It’s key to know these rules if you want to build an outbuilding.
One big rule is that outbuildings can’t be in front of your house’s main wall. They must be behind the main wall to keep your property looking nice. Also, outbuildings can’t be taller than 4 meters or have an eaves height of 2.5 meters if close to your house.
There’s also a rule about how much space outbuildings can take up. They can’t cover more than 50% of the land around your house. This rule helps keep your outdoor space open and nice to look at.
In places like conservation zones and listed buildings, there are extra rules. You might need special permission to build an outbuilding.
In some heritage sites, the total area of buildings can’t be more than 10 square meters if it’s far from your house.
Remember, these rules can change based on where you live and your property. Always check with your local planning office to make sure your plans are okay.
Designated Land and Listed Buildings
Outbuildings need special care if your land is special or your home is listed. Places like national parks and World Heritage Sites need permission for new buildings. Also, any new outbuildings near listed buildings need planning permission.
Special Considerations
In special areas, buildings over 20 metres from the house can’t be too big. This rule keeps the area looking natural and untouched. You can build things like sheds and greenhouses, but check local rules first.
Always talk to your local planning office before starting any outbuilding project. This makes sure you follow the rules and avoid problems later.
Knowing the rules for outbuildings in special places helps you plan better. It’s good to apply for permission early, as decisions can take 8 to 13 weeks.
Planning Rules for Other Sheds & Outbuildings
When planning sheds and outbuildings in the UK, there are important rules to follow. Most outbuildings, like sheds and greenhouses, don’t need planning permission if they meet certain criteria. But, there are extra rules for certain lands or listed buildings.
Sheds can be up to 2.5m high if they’re within 2m of a house boundary. If they’re further away, they can be 4m high with a specific roof shape. Also, outbuildings shouldn’t take up more than half the garden. They must also not be closer to roads than the house.
Size matters too. Sheds up to 30m2 inside don’t need permission; bigger ones must follow building rules. In national parks, sheds can only be 10m2 if they’re far from houses. Listed buildings need special permission for any new garden features.
Sheds can’t be homes or have antennas. They also can’t cover more than half the garden. They must be single-storey and not too tall. The height depends on how close they are to boundaries.
In summary, UK rules for sheds and outbuildings aim to keep things balanced. They ensure these structures don’t harm the environment or neighbours. By following these rules, homeowners can enjoy their garden features while staying within the law.
Calculating the Allowed Area
Understanding curtilage and the 50% rule is key for property additions. Curtilage is the land around your house that benefits those living there. It determines the space for outbuildings and other structures.
In the UK, the Permitted Development (PD) rules allow up to 50% of the curtilage for outbuildings. This includes sheds, garages, and greenhouses. The aim is to keep the original house and land prominent.
- The maximum eaves height for an outbuilding is 2.5 meters, and the maximum overall height with a dual-pitched roof is 4 meters.
- For outbuildings within 2 meters of the property boundary, the maximum height is limited to 2.5 meters.
- In designated areas like National Parks, the maximum area covered by buildings must not exceed 10 square meters if located over 20 meters from the main house.
The size and material of your outbuilding affect costs. Prices range from £500 to £18,000 or more. Larger outbuildings cost more due to more materials and labour.
Knowing the 50% rule and outbuilding size limits helps plan improvements. It ensures you follow the right regulations.
Height Restrictions
In the UK, outbuildings must follow strict height rules. This is to keep them in proportion and not too big. Your shed or outbuilding can’t be more than 2.5 metres high at the eaves and 4 metres tall if it has a special roof shape.
If your outbuilding is close to the property line, it can’t be taller than 2.5 metres. This rule helps avoid blocking sunlight or views for neighbours. Remember these height limits when planning your shed or outdoor structures.
Following the height restrictions is key. Going over these limits means you’ll need to get outbuilding regulations approval. This way, your outbuilding will look good with your house and won’t disturb your neighbours.
Building Regulations for Outbuildings
Outbuildings like log cabins, summerhouses, and sheds have specific building rules. It’s crucial to know these rules to follow the law.
Most outbuildings under 15 square metres don’t need building permits. But, if they’re between 15 to 30 square metres, they might need approval. This is if they’re not near any boundary or not made of fire-resistant materials.
There are rules for the size and height of outbuildings. They must be single-storey, with eaves no higher than 2.5 metres and a total height of four metres. In places like National Parks, there are special rules, like a 10 square metre limit if it’s far from the house.
Think about the foundations of your outbuilding too. Consider the soil, nearby structures, and more. The foundation’s weight can affect drains and sewers, so be careful.
Knowing the building rules for outbuildings helps avoid problems later. Always check with local authorities and builders to make sure you’re doing it right.
Applying for Planning Permission
If your outbuilding doesn’t fit the allowed rules, you need to apply for planning permission. You’ll need to fill out forms, provide detailed plans, and pay a fee. You must also write a project description.
The planning authority will then check your application. They’ll look at how it affects neighbours, the environment, and local rules.
The Application Process
The planning application process is clear, but knowing what’s needed is key. In England and Wales, applying for a garden outbuilding costs about £200. Getting Building Regulations consent for outbuildings costs £200-£300.
It usually takes 8-10 weeks to get a decision in England and Wales.
To boost your chances, understand the rules and local policies well. Consider the eaves height, overall height, and how close it is to boundaries. Designing with these in mind helps make a strong application.
Getting planning permission might seem hard, but with the right steps, you can do it. Follow the rules and work with your local planning authority. This way, you can make your outbuilding project a reality while following the law.
Conclusion
The UK has clear rules for sheds and other outbuildings. These rules let many garden structures be built without needing formal permission. But, it’s key to know the limits and special rules, like size, height, and where you can build.
Knowing these rules is vital for any shed or outbuilding project. By sticking to the guidelines on permitted development, height, and where you can build, your project will follow the law. This avoids problems or expensive changes later.
It’s wise to talk to your local planning authority before starting. They can check if your shed or outbuilding fits the rules. This way, you can start your garden project with confidence, knowing it’s legal and meets the regulations.
FAQ
What are outbuildings?
Outbuildings are structures like sheds, greenhouses, and garages. They also include swimming pools, ponds, and kennels. These are built to enhance the enjoyment of a home.
What are the permitted development rights for outbuildings?
Outbuildings don’t need planning permission, as long as they follow certain rules. These rules cover size, height, and where they can be built.
What are the restrictions on outbuildings?
Outbuildings have some rules to follow. They can’t be built in front of the main house. They must be single storey and not too tall. Also, they can’t cover more than half of the land around the house.
What are the special considerations for outbuildings on designated land or listed buildings?
Special rules apply to outbuildings in certain areas. For example, in national parks, outbuildings can’t be too big. Outbuildings near listed buildings also need permission.
How do I calculate the allowed area for outbuildings?
The total area for outbuildings can’t be more than half of the land around the house. This includes sheds and extensions. The land around the house is called the curtilage.
What are the height restrictions for outbuildings?
Outbuildings can’t be more than 2.5 metres high if close to the boundary. They can be up to 4 metres high if they have a dual pitched roof. But, they must not be too tall overall.
Do I need building regulations approval for my outbuilding?
You might not need building regulations for small outbuildings. But, bigger ones or those with sleeping areas will need approval. It depends on their size and location.
When do I need to apply for planning permission for my outbuilding?
If your outbuilding doesn’t fit the rules, you’ll need planning permission. You’ll need to fill out forms, provide plans, and pay a fee. The council will then check if it’s okay.
