This is general guidance based on standard permitted development rights in England. Rules differ for listed buildings, conservation areas, and properties with Article 4 directions. Always confirm with your local planning authority before starting work.
Do I Need Planning Permission for a General Outbuilding in Richmond upon Thames?
Any detached building within the grounds of your home used for purposes incidental to the dwelling, such as storage, a workshop, a gym, or a games room. This covers the general outbuilding rules under the GPDO.
Planning in Richmond upon Thames
80%
of planning applications granted
97%
decided within the statutory or agreed time
69%
of householder applications decided within 8 weeks
In the year to December 2025, Richmond upon Thames decided 1,916 planning applications. 1,384 of these were householder projects such as extensions, loft conversions and outbuildings, of which 81% were granted.
Planning statistics: MHCLG planning application statistics, the year to December 2025. Conservation area and Article 4 data: planning.data.gov.uk, © Historic England / Crown copyright. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Important: Additional Restrictions May Apply in Richmond upon Thames
Richmond upon Thames has 85 conservation areas. These include Amyand Park Road, Barnes Common, Barnes Green, Belmont Road, Beresford Avenue, Blackmore's Grove. If your property is in a conservation area, some or all permitted development rights may be restricted. For example, you may need planning permission for changes that would normally be permitted, including alterations to the roof, cladding, or extensions visible from a public highway.
Richmond upon Thames has Article 4 directions in force. Article 4 directions remove specific permitted development rights in defined areas. If your property is covered by an Article 4 direction, you may need planning permission for work that would normally be permitted. Contact Richmond upon Thames planning department to check whether an Article 4 direction applies to your property.
Check with Richmond upon Thames planning department before starting work to confirm whether your property is affected by any special designations.
Permitted Development Rules for a General Outbuilding
Generally permitted under Part 1, Class E of the GPDO. Outbuildings must be for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling and must comply with height, position, and area limits.
Conditions
- 1Must be for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling
- 2Must not be forward of the principal elevation fronting a highway
- 3Maximum height 2.5m if within 2m of a boundary
- 4Maximum height 4m (dual-pitch roof) or 3m (any other roof) if more than 2m from a boundary
- 5Must not cover more than half the curtilage (all outbuildings and extensions combined)
Size and Dimension Limits
- Height within 2m of boundary: 2.5m maximum
- Height elsewhere: 4m (dual pitch) or 3m (other roofs)
- No single footprint limit, but cumulative total must not exceed 50% of curtilage
When Permitted Development Does Not Apply
- In designated areas, outbuildings to the side of the house are not PD
- In designated areas, total outbuilding area exceeding 10 square metres requires PP
- Must not be used as sleeping accommodation or a separate dwelling
- Total cumulative outbuilding footprint (including sheds, summer houses, etc.) counts towards the 50% limit
What About Building Regulations?
Building regulations approval is not usually required
Under 15 square metres with no sleeping accommodation: normally exempt. Between 15 and 30 square metres: must be at least 1m from any boundary or constructed of substantially non-combustible materials. Over 30 square metres: Building Regulations apply in full.
Building regulations are separate from planning permission. Even if your project is permitted development, you may still need building regulations approval. Contact Richmond upon Thames building control or use an approved inspector.
How to Apply in Richmond upon Thames
If you need planning permission for your general outbuilding, you can apply through Richmond upon Thames's planning department or via the national Planning Portal.
If your project is permitted development and you want written confirmation, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) from Richmond upon Thames. This provides proof that your project does not need planning permission, which can be helpful when selling your property.
What Happens If I Build Without Permission?
Enforcement risk increases with the size and use of the outbuilding. Large outbuildings that dominate the garden or are used for residential or commercial purposes attract enforcement. Neighbours' complaints are a common trigger for council investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for a general outbuilding in Richmond upon Thames?
Does a general outbuilding in Richmond upon Thames need building regulations?
How do I apply for planning permission in Richmond upon Thames?
How long does planning permission take in Richmond upon Thames?
What percentage of planning applications does Richmond upon Thames approve?
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