Do you need planning permission for garden buildings?

At Lazy Susan, we would define a garden building as:

“A garden building is any structure built in a garden for a purpose other than permanent residency. This includes a wide range of structures, from simple sheds, greenhouses, and storage solutions to more elaborate buildings like summerhouses, garden offices, and even swimming pool enclosures.”

We recently looked at how you can extend your home into your garden and in that article listed some of our favourite ways to blur the lines between the inside and out.

One of the best ways to do that and retain good flow between home and patio is to build a natural transition, and we described that as:

“Adding a covered outdoor area such as a veranda or pergola is a great way to provide shelter, and make the transition between home and garden smoother. It allows you to enjoy the outdoors even in the often less-than-ideal British climate and bridges the gap between home and garden.”

If you were to add such a structure or a garden building such as a large shed, garden room, summerhouse, office pod, etc, do you need to seek planning permission?

Well, that is something we want to explore in detail here today.

Whether you need planning permission for a garden building in the UK depends on several factors, including the size, height, intended use, and location of the structure.

Why are garden buildings popular in the UK?

Garden buildings are currently incredibly popular here in the UK, and their appeal has been growing steadily over the last 10 years.

According to the Domestic Garden Buildings and Structures Market report by AMA Research:

“The UK Domestic Garden Buildings & Structures market in 2021 saw an 11% increase, fuelled by demand from new work-from-home norms and interest in outdoor living.”

The report goes on to say that sub-sectors within the market have varied in performance but that garden rooms have seen a substantial rise:

“Garden Sheds & Storage remains the largest segment, driven by versatile usage and innovations in materials and design. Log Cabins & Summerhouses constitute 22% of the market, evolving with better insulation features to support year-round use, though still facing supply challenges. Garden Rooms have seen significant growth due to the shift towards home offices and leisure spaces, becoming a high-value segment with premium features. Greenhouse demand is sustained by the grow-your-own-produce trend, especially during the pandemic. Garden Structures like gazebos and pergolas represent a smaller niche at 3% but benefit from the trend towards outdoor living and entertainment.”

As with the UK garden furniture industry, the garden buildings market faces the same short-term pressures from economic conditions, however, its long-term prospects are favourable, supported by our ongoing focus on home improvement.

The report also highlights that most garden buildings do not require planning permission, significantly enhancing their appeal to homeowners looking for simple, cost-effective ways to increase living space.

The 10 primary reasons we feel we have seen (and will continue to see) increasing demand for garden buildings are:

1. Remote Working
   We hate to still bring it up but there’s no escaping the fact that the COVID pandemic significantly shifted work habits, with more people working from home than ever before. Garden buildings, such as home offices, have become a practical and appealing solution for creating a dedicated workspace away from household distraction. A well-designed garden office will add to the value of your home while giving you the privacy needed for remote work.

2. Outdoor Living
   With more time spent at home during lockdown, we turned to our gardens, treating them as extensions of indoor living spaces. This had a significant impact on sales of both garden furniture and garden buildings such as summerhouses, outdoor kitchens, and entertainment rooms designed to enhance the garden experience and allow for all-year-round enjoyment in the unpredictable UK climate.

3. Crafts & Hobbies
   More and more people use garden buildings to create spaces dedicated to their hobbies. They are the perfect solution for those looking to add a quiet art studio, yoga or fitness room, or a space for your collection of books, vinyl records, etc. For those of a green-thumbed persuasion, then garden buildings, such as potting sheds and greenhouses are often essential for potting seeds and winter plant care. This shift aligns with a broader cultural focus on mental health and personal well-being, with the garden building offering us a retreat from the daily stress of home and work life.

4. Living Space
   With well-being rising, increased property prices and limited living space, garden buildings are now seen as a cost-effective way to add usable square footage without the complexity and expense of a traditional home extension. They are especially popular in urban areas where indoor living space is at a premium.

5. Sustainability
   Many of the modern garden buildings on sale in the UK are now designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating features such as solar panels, green roofs, insulation, and energy-efficient heating. This appeals to environmentally conscious homeowners looking to minimise their carbon footprint.

6. Lifestyle
   Garden buildings are increasingly viewed as status symbols, reflecting a homeowner’s lifestyle and priorities. Instagram and Pinterest have inspired people to transform their outdoor spaces into visually striking areas, and they will often feature aspirational garden room transformations and makeovers.

7. Versatility
   Modern garden buildings are highly versatile, with manufacturers offering bespoke designs that you can tailor to your outside space and individual needs. They can be adapted for multiple uses, from guest accommodation to home gyms, in a host of styles, from sleek and modern to cosy and rustic.

8. Property Value
   The right garden buildings can significantly increase the value of your property, making them an attractive investment. Buyers view these structures as added living space, which is particularly appealing in the UK’s highly competitive housing market.

9. Seasonality
   Advanced insulation, double-glazing, and efficient heating options now mean that many garden buildings can now be used year-round, even in the UK’s unpredictable climate. This adaptability makes them more appealing for a wide range of uses, compared to a traditional shed or garage which is often too cold to use in wintertime.

10. Range
    The variety of styles and sizes of garden buildings available on sale in the UK cater to diverse tastes and budgets. From simple timber sheds to luxury sliding glass garden rooms, the rise in modular and prefabricated designs is making installation quicker and more affordable, often without the need for planning permission.

Lazy Susan’s favourite types of garden building

We’ve already touched on many of them and highlighted that there is a wide variety of garden buildings on sale in the UK. They all cater to different purposes, styles, and budgets, and some of the most sought-after types are as follows:

1. Garden Offices
   A popular choice due to the rise of remote working, a garden office or pod will feature insulated walls, double-glazings, electricity, and heating to create a comfortable workspace.

2. Summerhouses
   A summerhouse provides a relaxing retreat or entertainment space, and they are designed to be light, airy structures with large windows or open sides. They are typically used in warmer months but we are increasingly seeing them winter-proofed too.

3. Log Cabins
   Versatile spaces for hobbies, gyms, or even guest accommodation, a log cabin will be constructed from interlocking timber logs, providing a rustic look with good insulation, which is perfect for workshops, teenage dens, or home arts/craft studios.

4. Greenhouses
   If you like to cultivate plants, vegetables, and flowers year-round, then an aluminium, wood, or plastic framed greenhouse with glass or polycarbonate panels is the solution. Available in a host of styles from large freestanding Victorian-style to compact lean-tos.

5. Garden Sheds
   We love a traditional shed here at Lazy Susan. Whether it’s for storing tools, garden equipment, or your latest DIY project, they are the quintessential garden building. Many modern “designer” sheds are now being upgraded for year-round use so they can be used as art studios, workspaces, etc. Popular materials on sale in the UK include wood, metal, and resin-based polywoods.

6. Gazebos & Pergolas
   A gazebo or Pergola is the perfect outdoor structure for those seeking shade and shelter from passing showers. They look similar but the difference is that a gazebo has a full roof, while a pergola has an open framework, often used for climbing plants or decorative purposes. Common materials are wood, metal, or modern composite materials, with many companies now offering modular solutions where you can select the configuration with retractable roofing and side panels.

7. Garden Rooms
   Probably the type that has seen the biggest rise in popularity in recent years, garden rooms are in high demand due to their versatility and aesthetic appeal. Multi-functional spaces they’re ideal for relaxation, work, or hosting guests. They are insulated, often with electricity and plumbing, making them usable year-round.

8. Playhouses
   For a family with young children, then a playhouse is a common site, whether it is in the style of a miniature house, treehouse, or a themed design such as a castle or pirate ships. They feature a safety-first construction, often include slides or climbing frames, and are constructed from child-friendly materials such as wood and durable resins.

9. Outdoor Kitchens
   Outdoor kitchens are still very much a niche here in the UK but they are growing in popularity and regularly make the latest garden trends article. Perfect for creating an entertainment hub and hosting garden parties, they feature built-in BBQs, worktops, storage, and sometimes even plumbing for outdoor sinks and fridges.

10. Outdoor Bars
    An outdoor bar is a place where you can enjoy drinks and food in an open-air setting. They can range from simple setups with a few tables and chairs to elaborate structures with a full bar, seating area, and even a dance floor.

11. Outdoor Storage
    There is a wide range of wood, metal and composite lockable garden storage solutions on sale in the UK. Secure and weatherproof, they come in a range of styles, shapes, and sizes, and they’re perfect for storing bicycles, gardening tools, wheelie bins, garden furniture, and sports equipment.

12. Pool, Sauna and Spa Rooms
    If you’re lucky to have the outside space, then a garden pool, sauna or spa room is another niche that we are starting to see more of. They are often purposely built structures that are designed to protect pools while enhancing aesthetics and usability. Many of the modern designs feature retractable glass to extend the swimming season or improve privacy.

Do you need planning permission for garden buildings? 

The big question when it comes to considering the addition of a garden building to your outside area is when do you need to apply for planning permission?

The first thing we must stress is this is a general guide. Planning regulations differ from council to council, area to area, and building to building.

If in any doubt, always seek professional advice before you spend any money or commence any type of work.

As a rule of thumb, in the UK, you typically do not need planning permission if your garden building meets the criteria for "permitted development”, the key conditions of which include:

1. Size
   The garden building should not take up more than 50% of the total land around your house (excluding the area of the house itself).

2. Height
   The maximum heights permitted are 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) for a building located within 2 metres (6.5 feet) of a property boundary. 4 metres (13.1 feet) for a dual-pitched roof building. 3 metres (9.8 feet) for other roof types. If raised platforms are required, then their height must not exceed 0.3 metres (1 foot).

3. Use
   The garden building must be for incidental use. This is defined as things like a shed, home office, gym, or summerhouse. Structures used as self-contained living accommodation (e.g. as annexes or bedrooms) will require planning permission.

4. Location
   No part of the garden building should be in front of the principal elevation of your house (facing the main road).

How to apply for planning permission for garden buildings 

In our experience, you will often need garden building planning permission for a garden building if:

• Exceeds the height or size limits for permitted development

• Will be used for business or as a self-contained living space

• Is located in a restricted zone such as a conservation area

• Is it a listed property or does it involve altering a listed building

• If it obstructs a public right of way

If you need to seek outbuilding planning permission from your local authority/planning office, then please follow these steps:

1. Research
   Visit your local council's planning portal - available through the UK Government’s Planning Portal.

2. Review
   Look at local policies that might influence your application, such as conservation area rules, etc.

3. Consult
   Engage with your Local Planning Authority (LPA) to discuss your plans and verify whether permission is necessary. This is often done by submitting a pre-application enquiry for guidance.

4. Prepare
   To create a planning application you need to prepare detailed documentation, including a site plan, elevations, floor plan, and a supporting statement to clarify how the building will be used and its impact on the area.

5. Submit
   Submit your application via the planning portal, which guides you through the process and forwards your application to your local authority. Fees are typically around the £200 mark for an application in England, however, additional fees can apply if you live in a listed building or in conservation area.

6. Approval
   The LPA then has up to 8 weeks to decide on standard applications. Decisions for larger or more complex proposals can often take longer but we have always found comms to be pretty good at this stage.

7. Object
   If any objections arise (from neighbours or the LPA), then you will often need to modify your plans or appeal the decision through the Planning Inspectorate.

Also important to note is that building regulations approval is separate from planning permission, but they are often needed to ensure compliance, safety, and energy efficiency of any full garden room/building structure.

Compliance is often required for larger buildings or those used for living or business purposes.

Even if planning permission isn’t required, our advice is to always speak to your neighbours and inform them of your plans, especially if the building might impact their view or privacy.

Please note that special rules will also apply in conservation areas, national parks, world heritage sites, and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs).

If you live in a listed building, then in our experience planning permission for a new or replacement garden building is almost always required too.

In our experience, it is always best to play it safe and go belt and braces.

Before you start, do some research to ensure the type and size of garden building you want will comply with the above and that it will adhere to local planning regulations.

If you need any further advice, we would recommend you start with the planning permission portal on gov.uk as it will direct you where to go and advise when you need it.

If you have our garden furniture paired with a garden building, then we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.