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Approved Structures

Approved Structures

Putting up sheds, greenhouses, polytunnels and other structures

Tenants may install temporary structures such as one shed, and either one greenhouse or one polytunnel, as well as water or compost containers. All structures combined must occupy no more than a quarter of the plot and must be kept in good condition.

Where possible, structures should be positioned at the rear of the plot, or as directed by your Allotment Association, Redditch Borough Council, or Bromsgrove District Council.

A minimum 2‑metre (200 cm) gap must be left between any structure and the boundary fence of the allotment perimeter or any neighbouring private garden (Clause 11.3). You may place items within this gap as long as they can be removed within a two‑week period if maintenance is required, and they must not touch or lean against the perimeter. All structures must be temporary, with no permanent or below‑ground foundations. Bases must be dry‑laid and no deeper than 22 cm (9 inches) (e.g. slabs or gravel). Structures must not be fixed into the ground or secured using posts and must be removed at the end of the tenancy agreement.

Any structure that does not meet these requirements may require planning permission and Landlord Consent. The Council or your Allotment Association may also instruct you to remove a non‑compliant structure, and you will have 30 days to do so under your tenancy agreement.

 Individual structure information

Tenants may have one shed on their plot, up to:

  • 3m x 2.4m and 2.6m high (10’ x 8’ x 8’6”).

Construction and materials:

  • Sheds may be a manufactured kit or built from clean sawn timber.
  • Metal sheds are also permitted.
  • Sheds must be used only for storing gardening tools and equipment.
  • Chimneys and hazardous materials are not permitted; this includes log burners.
  • Sheds should include guttering connected to a water container/butt.
  • Must comply with rules on temporary structures, foundations and placement (see approved structure rules).

Greenhouses must not exceed:

  • 19ft long x 9ft wide x 8ft 6ins high.

Greenhouses must have:

  • Transparent walls and/or roof made of glass or clear rigid plastic.
  • Be used for the cultivation and protection of plants under controlled conditions.
  • Thin polythene sheeting is not permitted.

Polytunnels can be up to:

  • 6m x 3m (20ft x 10ft).

Polytunnels should be:

  • Constructed from a polythene covered frame, used for growing seedlings or plants outdoors.

A livestock house or pen is a structure made of timber or purpose‑made preformed plastic, used for keeping, sleeping, feeding or nesting permitted livestock such as chickens or rabbits.

  • Cockerels are not permitted.
  • Must comply with all placements, size and temporary structure rules.

A livestock run is a structure that:

  • Allows permitted livestock to exercise outside the house or pen.
  • Is constructed from timber and chicken wire netting.

Communal containers may be up to:

  • 1.2m x 1.8m x 0.76m (4’ x 6’ x 2’6”).

They may be built from:

  • Wood, mesh, or an approved manufactured design.

  • Pre‑constructed plastic compost bins must not be sunk into the ground.
  • Handmade/wooden compost containers must not exceed:
    • 92cm x 92cm x 92cm (3’ x 3’ x 3’).

  • Only one fruit cage is permitted per plot.
  • Maximum height: 2 metres.

Structures exceeding the above

If you are wishing to have a structure that exceeds the above specifications, you will need to seek planning permission, please complete our supplementary application form.

  If you would like to discuss your requirements with us, here are our contact details.

Allotments Team

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