Sheds and summerhouses are almost always permitted development — no planning permission needed. Here are the exact height limits, the 50% curtilage rule, and when you do need permission.
A shed, summerhouse, or garden store in the rear garden of a house is almost always permitted development under Part 1, Class E of the GPDO 2015. No planning permission is needed provided the structure meets the height limits (maximum 2.5m eaves; 4m ridge for pitched roof, 3m for flat or mono-pitch), doesn’t take total outbuilding/extension coverage above 50% of the curtilage, and isn’t positioned forward of the front wall of the house. Building regulations don’t apply to sheds and summerhouses under 15m² floor area.
| Condition | Detail |
|---|---|
| Planning permission needed? | Almost never — permitted development under Part 1, Class E |
| Maximum eaves height | 2.5m |
| Maximum ridge height (pitched roof) | 4m |
| Maximum height (flat or mono-pitch roof) | 3m — but effectively limited to 2.5m by the eaves rule |
| If within 2m of boundary | Maximum total height 2.5m (all roof types) |
| Coverage limit | Total outbuildings and extensions must not exceed 50% of the curtilage |
| Position | Must not be forward of the principal elevation (front of house) |
| Storeys | Single storey only |
| Building regulations | Not required for structures under 15m² floor area (provided no sleeping accommodation and >1m from boundary) |
| Listed buildings | Planning permission and listed building consent required for any outbuilding in the curtilage |
Small garden shed (under 15m²): Almost always PD. No planning permission, no building regulations. Can be positioned close to the boundary (but total height limited to 2.5m if within 2m of boundary). The only limitation is the 50% curtilage coverage rule, which a small shed will never approach.
Large summerhouse or timber building (15-30m²): Still PD if within height limits and not exceeding 50% curtilage. Building regulations apply in limited form (structural stability and Part P electrical if wired). No planning permission needed.
Shed in front garden: Not permitted development — any outbuilding forward of the principal elevation requires planning permission. The front of the house (principal elevation) is normally the side facing the road. For corner plots, the principal elevation is usually the side with the main entrance.
Any shed or outbuilding forward of the principal elevation (the front wall of the house facing the road) requires planning permission. This catches:
For small storage sheds in front gardens, many councils will grant planning permission informally — especially if the shed is discreet and doesn’t dominate the frontage. However, the application and fee (currently £258 for England) apply.
The PD rules don’t set a minimum distance from the boundary for outbuildings. You can technically build a shed right up to the fence line. The practical considerations are:
Extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, solar panels — our complete guide covers everything you can build without planning permission.
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