Updated November 2018 - Guidance from the Planning Authority

Garden sheds, greenhouses and other buildings

Planning permission is not required provided that:

1.  The shed / greenhouse / building is used for domestic purposes only.

2.  The ground area covered by the shed/greenhouse/building and any other buildings within the boundary of the property, excluding the original house, is not more than half the total area of the property.

3.  No part of the shed / greenhouse / building is in front of the principal or side elevation of the original house that faces onto a road.

4.  The maximum height of the shed / greenhouse / building is 4 metres.

5.  The maximum eaves height of the shed / greenhouse / building is 2.5 metres if it is within 2 metres of the property boundary.

6.  No part of the shed / greenhouse / building is within 3.5 metres of the boundary with a road to the rear of the house.

7.  If you live in a house within a World Heritage Site, area of outstanding natural beauty or National Park the maximum total area of ground covered by buildings, enclosures and pools situated more than 20 metres from any wall of the house does not exceed 10 square metres.

8.  If you live in a house within a conservation area, World Heritage Site, area of outstanding natural beauty or National Park the shed / greenhouse / building is not situated between the principal or side elevation of the house and its boundary.

9.  The building is not used for the keeping of pigeons.

Note: Measurements are always calculated using external measurements.

If you live in a house which is a listed building, it is likely that you will need Listed Building Consent for any building operations.  If the development is within the curtilage of a listed building you may need to submit a planning application for the work unless listed building consent has already been granted.  Your local planning office will be able to advise you.