Do I Need Planning Permission for an Outbuilding?

Most outbuildings in England do not need planning permission. Garden sheds, workshops, home offices, and similar structures can usually be built under permitted development rights.

• Located in rear or side garden, not front garden
• Total area covered by outbuildings does not exceed 50% of the garden
• Single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres
• If within 2 metres of a boundary, maximum overall height is 2.5 metres
• If more than 2 metres from boundaries, maximum 4 metres for dual pitched roof or 3 metres otherwise
• Not used as a separate dwelling or sleeping accommodation
• No veranda, balcony or raised platform

A garden office is treated the same as any other outbuilding. As long as it meets the limits and is used as a home office rather than a dwelling, it is almost always permitted development.

• In the front garden
• Exceeds size or height limits
• Used as a separate self-contained dwelling
• Property is a listed building
• PD rights removed