Timber or Off-the-Shelf Shed in Your Front Garden? You Still Need Planning Permission

Are you considering adding a bike or bin store to your front garden? If it is visible from the street and fixed in place, you will almost certainly need planning permission, even if it is made of timber or bought as an off-the-shelf unit.

Many manufacturers claim their products qualify as temporary structures and do not require approval. However, in planning terms, "temporary" means short-term use. That definition does not apply to something installed on a solid base and intended to stay in place for years.

If your store is anchored to the ground and built to last, your local authority will treat it as a permanent structure. Once it sits in front of your main house elevation, it falls under far stricter planning rules.

We explain the planning process in detail in this article, but here we focus on a specific misconception: the idea that timber, small-scale, or off-the-shelf stores are automatically exempt. They are not.

1. Types of Bike and Bin Stores Commonly Installed in Front Gardens

There is more than one way to store bikes and bins, and each property calls for a slightly different solution. Whether you are looking for something quick and simple or a tailored, long-lasting design, here are the four main types of outdoor stores we see installed in front gardens across London.

Timber Structures

Timber bike and bin stores remain a popular choice. They offer a natural look that suits most garden environments and are available in both kit form and custom builds. Even if made from lightweight components, once installed on a solid base and intended to stay in place, timber stores are considered permanent structures in planning terms.

 

Off-the-Shelf Metal Structures

Metal stores are often promoted as low-maintenance, durable options. Many arrive pre-assembled or flat-packed, and brands sometimes claim they do not need planning permission. The reality is simpler: if the unit is going in your front garden and will stay there for more than a short period, it will likely require permission, no matter who makes it or what the listing says.

 

Composite or Plastic Stores

Plastic or resin stores can be an easy option, particularly when quick delivery and low cost are top priorities. But even these are typically anchored to the ground to prevent tipping or theft, which makes them permanent in the eyes of planning officers. If it looks like it is meant to stay, that is how it will be assessed.

 

Bespoke Solutions for Your Property

A bespoke store is often the best route if your space is limited, unusually shaped, or if you are looking for something that integrates beautifully with your home. These solutions are built for long-term use and are carefully designed to match the surrounding materials and architecture. Because of their quality and permanence, bespoke stores in front gardens almost always require planning approval, but they are also the most likely to be approved when thoughtfully designed.

 

So what does this mean for you?

If you are planning a store in your front garden, no matter the type or material, it helps to be clear from the outset: if it is built to stay, it is likely to require planning permission. Now that you understand the types of structures involved, let us look at why front garden placement changes the rules.

2. How Front Garden Placement Can Work With Planning Rules

When it comes to planning permission, where you place your bike or bin store matters just as much as what it is made of. Many applications are rejected not because the structure is too large or unattractive, but because it feels intrusive, blocks access, or disrupts the character of the street.

The good news is this: with careful placement and considered design, it is absolutely possible to meet planning requirements, even in your front garden.

Front Gardens Are Under More Scrutiny

Unlike back gardens, which often benefit from permitted development rights, front gardens are part of the public streetscape. Councils assess any changes here more closely to protect the appearance and character of the area. Even small changes, like a low timber bike store, can require permission if they alter how the property looks from the street.

Permitted Development Rights Are Limited at the Front

Outbuildings in rear gardens often fall under permitted development. However, these rights are typically more restricted or absent altogether when it comes to front garden structures. That is why so many front garden bike and bin stores require a formal application, even when they seem modest in scale.

Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings Require Extra Care

If your home is in a conservation area or is listed, stricter rules apply. In these cases, any structure placed in your front garden, no matter the size or material, will almost certainly need full planning permission. It is also wise to anticipate additional design requirements from the council to protect the heritage of the area.

Height, Visibility, and Access Matter

To improve your chances of approval, aim for a low-profile design that sits below 1.5 metres and does not obstruct pedestrian routes, bin access, or lines of sight. Placing the store neatly to one side, behind a hedge or planting, can help it feel discreet and well integrated with the garden.

Good Design Supports Approval

A store that feels like part of the garden, through timber cladding, a green roof, or sensitive planting, is more likely to be accepted. When submitting your application, detailed drawings, a simple design statement, and a short impact assessment can make a meaningful difference.

Check Your Local Guidance Early

Planning policies vary between boroughs, so always check your council’s website or speak to the planning department directly. Some councils may also offer alternative bike storage options, such as communal bike hangars, or have policies that support secure cycling infrastructure.

Talk to Your Neighbours

While not a requirement, speaking to your neighbours can be useful, especially if they have gone through a similar application. Some may offer insight or even support your application if the council contacts them during consultation.

So what does this mean for you?

With the right design and a respectful approach to the space, a front garden store can meet both your needs and your council’s expectations. It is not about avoiding the rules. It is about planning smartly and confidently from the start.

3. Common Misconceptions About Planning Permission for Front Garden Storage

There is a lot of conflicting advice out there, especially from manufacturers trying to make a sale. We often speak to homeowners who have been told that planning permission is not required, only to discover the opposite once they speak to their local authority.

Let us clear up some of the most common misconceptions.

“It’s a temporary structure, so I don’t need permission.”

In planning terms, a temporary structure refers to something used for a short time, typically days or weeks, and not fixed to the ground. If your store is placed on a solid base, anchored for stability, and intended to stay put, it is treated as a permanent structure. That means it likely needs permission if it sits in front of your house.

“It’s made of timber, so it doesn’t count.”

Planning permission is not based on materials. Whether your store is timber, metal, plastic, or composite, the rules are the same. What matters is its permanence, visibility from the street, and how it affects the appearance of the property.

“I bought it off-the-shelf — surely they wouldn’t sell it if it needed permission.”

Retailers are not responsible for checking planning rules for your property, and many simply add vague disclaimers like “check with your local authority” in the small print. Just because a product is sold widely does not mean it is automatically permitted, especially in a front garden.

“It’s below a certain height, so I’m fine.”

While height restrictions are a factor in rear garden outbuildings under permitted development, they do not apply to front garden structures. In most London boroughs, any structure placed in front of the main house elevation requires full planning permission, regardless of size.

“I only need permission if I’m replacing the front wall.”

Planning permission is required based on what is added, not just what is removed. Even if your front boundary wall remains intact, installing a store in front of your house will likely require permission.

“It’s just a bike store. Surely the council won’t care.”

Councils are increasingly supportive of cycling, but they still expect front garden changes to be well considered and formally approved. In fact, when presented well, a bike store that encourages active travel can support your application, but it does not make it exempt.

4. What Happens If You Proceed Without Planning Permission?

It can be tempting to skip the application and hope for the best, but we have seen first-hand how that can go wrong.

You Could Receive an Enforcement Notice

If your local authority determines that a front garden structure was installed without permission, they can issue an enforcement notice. This often means submitting a retrospective application, or worse, being ordered to remove the structure entirely.

You Might Be Forced to Take It Down

We have spoken to homeowners who enquired about an Atlanticbike store months ago, but chose a different route. Several have since been contacted by their council following complaints from neighbours and were told to remove their bike store. Despite being high-quality units, the council rejected the retrospective application on the grounds that the store did not integrate with the streetscape and was considered harmful to the character of the street.

It Can Affect the Sale of Your Home

Planning compliance is often checked during the conveyancing process. Missing permissions can delay the sale, reduce the agreed price, or require you to apply retrospectively, with no guarantee of success.

Neighbours May Object Later

Even if your neighbours seem relaxed now, this can change. New owners may raise concerns, or disputes may arise later. Having full planning approval in place gives you long-term peace of mind and removes future friction.

5. Why We Include Planning as Part of Our Offer

We design and build front garden storage to be a lasting feature of your home. That means we care about where it sits, how it looks, and how it is received.

We care where our products land

Our products are not quick-fix solutions. They are built to live outdoors for decades, and that means they deserve careful placement. We work hard to ensure our installations feel like a natural extension of your home and your garden.

We protect your investment

Planning permission is not just a technicality. It is a safeguard for the future value of your home and the long-term enjoyment of your store. We handle the process in full, so you can be confident that what you install is legally sound and future-proofed.

We care about your experience, not just your product

We take ownership of the whole process. From drawings to design statements, communication with the council, and any adjustments required along the way, we manage the planning so you do not have to.

We want you to enjoy your store, not manage a dispute

We do not want you dealing with council letters or neighbour concerns. We encourage open conversations with neighbours, especially when you are adding greenery and biodiversity to the street. A well-designed, approved store can be a positive presence in your neighbourhood, not a point of contention.

6. Ready to Talk About Planning and Front Garden Storage?

If you are thinking about adding a bike or bin store to your front garden and want to get it right, we would be happy to help.

We will guide you through what is needed, what is possible, and how to navigate the planning process without stress. Whether you are just starting to explore or already know what you need, we are here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Get in touch to tell us about your space. We will take care of the rest.