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Is planning permission needed for a shed in a conservation area?
A shed is classed as an outbuilding which falls under permitted development rights, meaning that it does not require an application for planning permission. They can be built in conservation areas provided they meet the limits set out in legislation.
Specifically on protected land, including conservation areas, no part of the outbuilding can be on the side or front elevation of the house.
A full list of limits and conditions can be read on our outbuildings common project.
Common Questions
Yes, in most cases you can use an outbuilding as a home office without needing planning permission. As long as the use remains incidental to the main dwelling it is still considered part of your domestic residential use.
Bricking up or infilling an existing window is classified as permitted development, meaning an application for planning permission is not required to complete the works. You will need to ensure that any materials used are of a similar appearance to the existing exterior of the house.
If you live in a listed building, then you will require planning permission and listed building consent for the change. In this instance it is best practice to talk to your local planning authority first.
Normally planning permission is not required for installing a toilet in an existing area of the property as the change is only internal. If the toilet is part of a wider project such as an extension permission may be required.
If you live in a listed building, then listed building consent will be required for any major changes.
Building regulations will apply to the installation of a toilet in a property, these will cover areas such as ventilation, plumbing and drainage, and size.
In most cases, yes - planning permission is required to operate a business from your garage. This is because the use would no longer be purely domestic, and the garage would be considered to have changed use from residential (Class C3) to a business-related use, which requires planning consent.
A wall is a 'party wall' if it stands astride the boundary of land belonging to two (or more) different owners, for example the wall separating two semi-detached properties.
Some kinds of work carried out to a property may not be controlled by the building regulations, but may be work which is covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This is a separate piece of legislation with different requirements to the building regulations.
To find out more about party walls, visit Planning Portal.
