Can you put a shed in your front garden in the UK?

Garden sheds are the perfect addition to any garden. They brighten the space, adding character and dimension to your home's greenery.

We all know that sheds can be installed within your back garden, but can they be set up in the front? 

Revamping your outdoor space can be exciting, but it’s important not to get ahead of yourself. Though installing a shed in your front garden is possible, it requires planning permission to assess if it meets the rules and regulations. 

The legal considerations

A garden shed is classed as an outbuilding by permitted development rights. Therefore, your shed must meet the requirements to be granted permission to build it.

This allows certain developments and building work to be carried out, such as sheds and home extensions, without completing a planning application. 

The conditions and limitations attached to PDR ensure that the interests of neighbours and the wider community are considered and protected to limit neighbourhood disturbance. 

PDR does not permit sheds in the front garden, as outbuildings are not allowed to block the front wall of a house. 

How to get planning permission for your front garden shed

If your shed is to be located towards the front of the property or past the property boundary, then you will need planning permission. It must cover no less than 50% of the area surrounding your home, with a maximum height of 4 meters.

Installing a shed without the necessary planning permission is illegal and can result in penalties, fines, and legal action. To avoid this, it’s best to apply for it beforehand:

1. Research local policies: Visit your local council's website for information on planning policies and guidelines.
2. Pre-application advice: Consult an architect or engage with your local planning authority for specific requirements or potential issues.
3. Prepare and submit application: Submit detailed development plans, a design and access statement, and an impact assessment. Then, submit the form via the planning portal website and pay the application fee.
4. Application review: The local authority will validate your application, and it may also be subject to public consultation. A planning officer will then visit the site to assess the impact of the structure. 
5. Decision making: The planning officer will recommend to approve or reject the application, and you will be notified of the decision. 

If approved, ensure your shed meets the requirements and building regulations. If refused, consider modifying your plans to meet the boundaries or appeal them to the planning inspectorate. 

The benefits of having a shed in your front garden

Whether you need to store a bike, create an outside office, or you want a place to relax, garden sheds can do it all!

Placing a shed in your front garden may be more beneficial for storing your tools, bins, or bikes. If you use your bike often, storing it in the front is easier for quick and efficient access. 

A frequent gardener may wish to store their tools at the front of the house, perfect for regularly maintaining the greenery in your front garden. 

You may also want to utilise the space in your front garden if it's larger than the back. Installing a shed at the front of your house will ensure you don’t miss out on the benefits of a personalised green space.

The Challenges and solutions for a front garden shed

If you’re set on installing a shed in your front garden, there are a few things you need to consider: 

• Utilising the space: If you have a smaller-sized front garden, you will have limited space to work with. To overcome this, consider space-saving sheds. Place them vertically to maximise utility and to not overwhelm the garden.

• Maintaining aesthetics: A shed in your front garden may affect the visual appeal if it doesn’t blend well with your home's exterior. To avoid this, choose a shed that complements the property, considering the colour, material, and design.

• Security: A shed in the front of your home is more exposed to theft and vandalism. Add security measures such as padlocks, alarms, and CCTV to protect your property.

• Durability: With every garden shed comes the possibility of damage. Consider weather-resistant materials such as cedar, pine, steel, and aluminium to protect your structure from the weather. Ensure that your shed is securely built and sealed.