Most UK planning advice online describes England, including ours on the planning permission page. If your garden is in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, the rules for outbuildings are set separately and the details differ. Use the English checklist as a list of questions, never as the answer.
Why the answer changes
Planning is devolved. Each nation decides which garden buildings count as permitted development, what the height and position limits are and which areas have extra restrictions. Building standards are separate again, and also devolved.
Scotland
The Scottish Government publishes planning guidance through mygov.scot, including how to find out whether you need planning permission. Scotland uses building warrants rather than the English Building Regulations approval process, and the Scottish Government's building standards pages explain when a warrant is needed. Contact your local council's planning and building standards teams for a decision about a specific building.
Wales
The Welsh Government publishes guidance on planning permission for outbuildings. Wales has its own permitted development rules, so check the Welsh guidance rather than the Planning Portal's English pages. Building Regulations in Wales are also set by the Welsh Government.
Northern Ireland
Planning in Northern Ireland is handled by local councils, with policy set by the Department for Infrastructure. Its planning pages are the starting point, and your council can advise on permitted development for garden buildings and on building control.
Questions to take to any council
Whatever nation you are in, the same practical questions tend to decide the answer:
- How tall is the building, at the eaves and overall, measured from ground level?
- How close is it to each boundary?
- Is it in front of the house?
- How much of the garden will buildings cover?
- Is the property listed, in a conservation area or otherwise designated?
- Is it a house, or a flat or maisonette?
- Will the building be used for anything beyond normal domestic enjoyment?
Measure these before you call. A council can give a much clearer answer to a specific drawing than to "is a garden bar allowed?".
Keep the answer in writing
Whatever you are told, ask for it in writing or note the date, name and what was said. Some councils offer a formal certificate confirming a proposal is lawful, which can help when selling the house later.
Find your council's planning page today and save the link. It is the authority for your garden, whichever nation you live in.
Sources
Primary guidance checked 10 November 2026.