I wish to have a wooden summerhouse and adjoining shed built for sitting in the garden and wonder if there is a restriction to the overall size that can be erected without planning permission. Is it 32sq.m?

Published on 26.02.2008

Generally you can build most things in your garden without planning permission, such as sheds, garages, greenhouses, swimming pools or summer houses etc...

HOWEVER, you will require planning permission in the following cases:

1. Any building or structure between the "original house" and the "highway" unless there would remain at least 20 metres between the new building/structure and any highway.

2. More than half the area of land around the 'original house' would be covered by additions or other buildings.

3. The building/structure is to be used for non-domestic purposes.

4. Where the building to be constructed or provided would have a cubic content greater than 10 cubic metres, any part of it would be within 5 metres of any part of the dwelling/house.

5. The building/structure is to be more than 3metres high (4m if it has a ridged roof).

6. The building/structure is to have a volume more than 10m³ within the grounds of a Listed Building.

The best advice I can give though is that you get down to your Local Planning Office and discuss your project with a Planning Officer.

Simply fill in the form below and wait for the answer to be posted on this site.

Please remember: Gavin Brazg is not a Mortage Advisor and as such cannot answer your mortgage based questions. Instead please speak with an  unbiased mortgage advisor.