What's the Biggest Shed You Can Have in Your Garden in the UK?
Did you know that about 52% of UK households have a garden shed, that’s more than 9 million homes? That makes sheds a huge part of British garden life and shows just how popular they are across the country.
If you’re planning to add more storage or maybe a cosy workshop in your garden, you’ve probably asked yourself: What's the Biggest Shed You Can Have in Your Garden in the UK? It all comes down to a mix of planning permissions, size limits, building height and where you put it in your garden.
Luckily, most sheds don’t need planning permission if you stick to some simple rules. Keep reading and you’ll figure out exactly how big your shed can be, what rules apply, and how to avoid headaches with your local council so you can build with confidence.
Practical and Legal Considerations
Before thinking about the biggest shed size you can build, it is important to know the basics. Most sheds fall under permitted development rights, meaning no planning permission is needed. Some areas, like national parks or conservation zones, have stricter rules. Listed buildings and flats always require planning permission. It is always worth checking with your local council if you are unsure.
Size Limitations Without Planning Permission
So, what is the maximum shed size without planning permission? The rules are straightforward. Your shed cannot take up more than half of your garden space, measured from the footprint of the original house. The internal floor area should be under 15 square metres if you want to avoid stricter building regulations. The shed must also be used for domestic purposes only and not as a self-contained living space.
General Guidelines
Here is a quick summary of the garden shed size rules in the UK. The maximum overall height is 4 metres with an apex or dual-pitched roof, or 3 metres with a pent roof. The eaves must not be more than 2.5 metres high. If your shed is within 2 metres of a boundary, it must not be taller than 2.5 metres. Combined outbuildings should not cover more than 50 percent of your garden, and the shed must be placed behind the front elevation of your house.
These rules give you a lot of flexibility, but it is still sensible to measure carefully before you buy or build.
What Sheds Do Not Need Planning Permission?
In most cases, any shed that follows the rules above on size, height, and placement will not need planning approval.
The main exceptions are if your home is a flat, apartment or maisonette, if it is located in a conservation area, national park, or listed property, or if it is under Article 4 Direction, where permitted development rights have been removed.
Permitted Development Rights
Most sheds are covered by permitted development rights. This means you do not need to go through the hassle of applying for planning permission. Just make sure your shed fits within the rules on height, space, and location, and you should be fine.
If you want total peace of mind, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate from your local council. This is not essential, but it gives you written proof that your shed is legal.
How high can I build a shed?
Near your property boundary
If you are building a shed within 2 metres of a boundary, it must be no taller than 2.5 metres in total height. This helps avoid disputes with neighbours and ensures safety.
Away from your property boundary
If your shed is more than 2 metres away from any boundary, the maximum heights are 4 metres for a dual-pitched roof and 3 metres for other roof types such as pent roofs. This means you can build a taller, more spacious shed if you have the garden space to place it further from fences and walls.
The most popular size sheds
While the rules let you go up to 4 metres tall and fairly large in width, the most popular UK shed sizes are much smaller and practical for everyday use. The 6x4ft or 7x5ft sheds are great for tools and lawnmowers. The 8x6ft shed is the UK’s favourite size, offering plenty of space for bikes, furniture, and DIY gear. Larger options such as 12x8ft or more are ideal for workshops or hobby spaces, as long as your garden size allows it.
At Eden Shed, we have seen most households choose something between 6x4ft and 12x8ft, depending on how much storage they really need.
So, What's the Biggest Shed You Can Have in Your Garden?
In conclusion, the answer to What's the Biggest Shed You Can Have in Your Garden in the UK? depends on following a few simple rules. Your shed can be up to 4 metres tall with an apex roof if it is more than 2 metres from the boundary, or up to 3 metres tall with other roof types. If it is closer than 2 metres to the boundary, it must not exceed 2.5 metres in height. Along with this, your shed and other outbuildings cannot cover more than 50 percent of your garden, and it must be placed behind the main house.
By sticking to these rules, most people can build a large and practical shed without needing planning permission. If you are ready to find the right size for your space, explore the full range at Eden Shed today.