Many people wonder, ‘how many sheds can I have in my garden’? There is no legal limit on the number of sheds you can have in your garden. You can have two, three, or more – provided each one meets the permitted development rules for outbuildings and the combined footprint does not exceed the maximum coverage allowed on your plot.

That said, there are specific rules around size, height, and position that apply to every outbuilding you add. Understanding these before you buy is the best way to avoid a planning headache later.

The permitted development rules for garden sheds

Many outbuildings can be built in the UK without planning permission under permitted development, provided they stay within the rules on total coverage, height, siting, and land designation. The total area of outbuildings must not exceed 50% of the land around the original house, and the common height limits are 2.5 m eaves and either 4 m overall for a dual-pitched roof or 3 m for other roof types.¹ ²

Always check with your local planning authority if you are unsure whether your property is subject to any restrictions. Rules in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland differ from those in England. For a broader overview, see our guide to planning permission for summerhouses and garden buildings.

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Does the 50% rule apply to all outbuildings combined?

Yes. The 50% coverage limit is cumulative across all outbuildings on the plot, not per structure. So if you already have a garage taking up 20% of your garden area, your remaining outbuilding allowance is 30%. A second shed, a third shed, a log cabin, a greenhouse – they all count toward the same total.

This is the most common reason homeowners run into problems when adding a second or third shed. Each individual structure is within size limits, but the combined footprint tips over the threshold.

Can I put two sheds next to each other?

Yes, there is nothing in planning rules that prevents two sheds from being placed side by side, as long as both individually comply with the height and size limits, and the combined footprint does not breach the 50% coverage rule.

From a practical standpoint, if two sheds share a wall or are very close together, you may want to think about ventilation, damp, and maintenance access before positioning them.

What is the biggest shed I can build without planning permission?

There is no fixed maximum square footage for a single shed under permitted development. Instead, size is limited by the 50% coverage rule and the siting/height rules, so a large shed can be allowed if the combined outbuilding area stays within the permitted limit and all other conditions are met.

In practice, that means a single shed of 20–30 m² can often be possible without planning permission, but only if it is incidental to the house, is not in front of the principal elevation, and does not breach the height or boundary rules.

The key height rules to remember:

• Up to 4 m to the ridge if the roof is dual-pitched
• Up to 3 m to the ridge for any other roof type (including flat roofs)
• No more than 2.5 m at the eaves
• No more than 2.5 m overall if the building is within 2 m of the boundary

Do I need planning permission for a garden room or log cabin?

Garden rooms and log cabins are treated identically to sheds under permitted development rules – they are all classified as outbuildings. A well-insulated garden room or log cabin is subject to exactly the same height, coverage, and position rules as a basic shed. For a full breakdown of what applies specifically to log cabins, see our guide to planning permission for log cabins in the UK.

One distinction worth knowing: if a structure is intended for use as self-contained living accommodation (with sleeping and cooking facilities), it would require full planning permission regardless of size.

Many of Summerhouse24’s range of garden sheds and garden rooms are designed as garden outbuildings and can be adjusted to fit any requirements.

What is the law on garden sheds?

There is no single piece of legislation dedicated to garden sheds. The relevant rules come from the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, specifically Schedule 2, Part 1, Class E, which covers buildings and enclosures incidental to the enjoyment of a dwelling.

The Planning Portal’s outbuildings page and the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) page are the best resources to turn to for current permitted development rules in England.

Summary

Question	Answer
How many sheds can I have?	No legal limit, as many as fit within the rules
Is there a total coverage limit?	Yes. All outbuildings combined must not exceed 50% of the garden area
Maximum height (dual-pitch roof)?	4 m ridge height, 2.5 m eaves
Maximum height (other roof types)?	3 m ridge height, 2.5 m eaves
Do I need planning permission?	Not usually, under permitted development — check for exceptions
Do garden rooms and log cabins count?	Yes, same rules as sheds

If you are planning to add a quality timber building to your garden — whether a shed, log cabin, or dedicated garden room — Summerhouse24 manufactures direct from our own factory. You may also find our guide to garden buildings that don’t need planning permission a useful next read.

Explore our full range at summerhouse24.co.uk.

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Sources:

1. GOV.UK – Planning Permission
2. UK Planning Portal