Overview
- Most sheds, greenhouses, garages, playhouses, pools and similar garden buildings count as permitted development, so many projects do not need planning permission.
- Permitted outbuildings must be single-storey with eaves no higher than 2.5m, a total height up to 4m for a dual-pitched roof or 3m for other roofs, and no higher than 2.5m if within 2m of a boundary.
- No structure may sit in front of the main front wall of the home, verandas or balconies or raised platforms over 0.3m are not allowed, and no more than half the land around the “original house” may be covered by additions.
- Designated land has tighter limits, including a 10sqm cap for buildings more than 20m from the house, planning permission for side-of-property outbuildings on such land, and mandatory permission for any outbuilding within the grounds of a listed building.
- The term “original house” means the home as first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948, and owners should confirm any local restrictions with their council and read the technical guidance on gov.uk.