Planning & Building Control

Planning Permission

In many cases, steel sheds, stores, etc. will not require planning permission and may be considered permitted development providing certain criteria are met.

  • The building must not extend forward of the main elevation of the original house
  • Must not be living accommodation
  • Must be single story with a maximum overall height not exceeding 4meters.
  • The total area of outbuildings to be considered as permitted development, including existing sheds, etc. must not exceed 50% of the area of land around the original house.

Additional restrictions will apply on listed or designated land and some councils may have local restrictions for their region.

If in doubt, contact your local council planning office or visit their website for up-to-date information (www.planningni.gov.uk/index/advice).

Building Control Approval

If Building Control Regulations apply in your area, your shed will normally be exempt, providing it meets the following conditions:

  • Must not contain sleeping accommodation
  • Must be sited at least 1m from any boundary or must be made from substantially non-combustible materials
  • Must not be attached to an existing dwelling

If you are in doubt as to whether you need to make a building control application or not, contact your local building control office who will be happy to help.

Please note: Building Control regulations can change so it is always a good idea to check their website for more information.

Finally: Just because a shed is bolted down, this may not make it a temporary building and exempt it from planning or building regulations. If in doubt, ask your local planning or building control office (www.buildingcontrol-ni.com).