Changes to planning permission for bike sheds

If you struggle to find space to store your bikes at home, help might be at hand. The government is consulting on changes to planning law to allow 'further flexibilities to permit bike stores in front gardens'.

The government is proposing to allow bike stores in front gardens, including homes in conservation areas. The size of the bike sheds would be restricted to 2 metres in width, 1 metre in depth and 1.5 metres in height.

You can have your say on the proposed changes here.

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Why does planning permission for bike stores need to change?

You might have assumed that if you're lucky enough to have a front garden, it's safe to assume you can put up a small shed to store your bicycle? Not necessarily.

In theory, any structure erected in a front garden requires planning consent. However, in practice you're probably OK unless you live in a strict conservation area or a neighbour complains. If that happens it's likely you'll have to apply for planning permission.

Many local councils support cycling so it's always worth giving your local planning team a call - who knows, you may live in an area that installs bike hangers when there's enough of a demand.

Assuming you get a shed, be aware that thieves now target them specifically and as a result, many cycle insurance companies now insist on a high level of door lock security.

By contrast, Cycle insurance from the ETA has a sympathetic policy towards keeping bicycles in a shed. You can use any type of lock to secure the door and the bike doesn’t have to be locked while left inside – although if it’s visible through a window you have to cover it with a blanket or similar. Read more about storage requirements.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance, breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

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