Feature | Spring gardening
downsmail.co.uk Avoid a shedload of trouble
Turning sheds into living spaces became a consequence of a year in lockdown – but it pays to check before you change, as Chris Lawson reports…
A lasting legacy of lockdown will perhaps be the rise in people turning to DIY as a creative outlet in a time of crisis. Given that most people have been confined to
their homes, spending more time with family than ever before, it is no surprise that so many have turned to their sheds as a place of escape. Over 30% of shed owners have said they have
decorated their shed in some way. Some have been painted. Some have added wall art and pictures. And some have witnessed complete makeovers. Common garden sheds have become reading
rooms, playrooms, gyms and office space. Many owners have even converted their sheds into pubs. Lockdown has witnessed many people take up
creative hobbies and many a garden shed has been transformed into an arts and craft studio. Private entertainment rooms complete with TV,
darts and pool tables have completed the changing face of many garden sheds. Before wielding your hammer, though, don’t for- get that planning restrictions may apply, depending
on the scale of work you are about to undertake. The good news is that most garden buildings can
be considered “permitted development” projects. The maximum overall height should be no higher than 4m and all sheds should be single-storey. A raised platform over 50cm high, such as deck- ing or verandas, may require planning permission. Perhaps most importantly, your shed should not
be designed to provide sleeping accommodation. Any improvements to your shed that constitutes a change of use will need planning permission. Most maintenance, repairs, and makeovers to
your old shed or conservatory are rarely restricted. But if your plans are more ambitious, it would be wise to consult the local planning department.
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With most of us spending more time at home, our garden sheds and cabins have become useful extra living and working space Picture:
FGY Architects Get some advice
In the first instance, if you are in two minds about the type of structure you wish to build, contact your local borough or district coun- cil’s planning department and ask to speak to an officer.
The officer will be able to advise you on whether permissions are likely to be required and, if so, what paperwork is will have to be filled in and what fees are involved. Sometimes a call to Citizens’ Advice or the free-to-use Planning Aid can be helpful.
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