Secure shed for driveway

[AlanB1976]

Hi all
I want to put a shed in my driveway as it is wasted space. I was originally just looking for something cheap but then realised it would be a visible target for thieves, so want something I could secure a bit more. I started looking at steel sheds but read on the condensation so ruled that out. Plastic sheds just seem less secure to me. So now I'm thinking a wood one. I can also reinforce it with some spare wood I have at home which seemed like a good idea.
Can anyone advise on some lockable decent wooden sheds (minimum 4x6ft) that don't fall apart when you look at them? Obviously would like to be as cheap as possible but acknowledging that I can't get decent and dirt cheap.
The driveway is loose stone over a concrete base. I will probably just put it on the stone (so I don't have any issues with water at the base) but may secure it to the concrete underneath with some bolts.
Thanks
Alan

 

[Buxus]

I've got one of these, the windows do make it dark but fine just for storage.

https://www.purewelltimber.co.uk/collections/apex-sheds/products/security-shed

 

[Nige F]

get a cheap shed - line it with chicken wire, connected to a farm electric fence unit, Then any metal object used to pry the door will get a belt Just tell the authorities it's a Faraday cage that you need to sit in wearing your tinfoil hat

 

[big-all]

are you aware you will need planning permission if the shed is in front off the house
https://interactive.planningportal.co.uk/

 

[AlanB1976]

are you aware you will need planning permission if the shed is in front off the house
https://interactive.planningportal.co.uk/

Hmmmmmm.... no I did not. I didn't know shed's needed permission. What next, my kids trampoline? Is it due to being in the front or because it is visible?

 

[big-all]

behind the front face off the house [called the principal elevation]you dont need planning permission providing you keep to a certain size
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/43/outbuildings

 

[AlanB1976]

Thanks for the help. It is behind the front of the face so that won't be an issue. I'll just check on sizes.

 

[HawkEye244]

Consider whether it's really worth spending the money as garden sheds are often under-utilised. If you don't intend to do much in the way of gardening and just need to store a mower for example, there are much cheaper storage options.

 

[AlanB1976]

Well, it doesn't have to be a shed, but I need a place to store a bicycle, pressure washer, roof box and some other odds and ends. What would you suggest?

 

[sodthisforfun]

Personally I'd not store anything of value out the front, shed or otherwise. People don't think twice at breaking into vans wondering what's in them, I don't suppose the shed would be any different.

 

[big-all]

another point
if it can easily seen from the front ask your neibours what the think off your idea
best to keep in with them than upset them if possible

 

[AlanB1976]

Visibility is not an issue as it's down the side of the house. You'll only see it when literally standing in our driveway.
Security is an issue which is why I want to secure it a bit more (and looking for advise here). I just don't have place to store the stuff so need something. I will probably lock what I can inside as well and put one of those IR alarm things to sound an alarm if they break in.

 

[conny]

Do you live in the town or country.
In the country you are less likely to have a constant stream of pedestrians walking past your drive looking in.
You could put a sign on the side of the shed stating it is alarmed and covered by CCTV, this may help deter opportunists.

 

[big-all]

could you put up a fence /part fence panel bush or other form off visual disturbance to hide most or all off the storage shed ???
but having said that the more open and more noisy [gravel under foot] the area is the more it will put people off
if you do have a very visible secure shed it will suggest something worth nicking
a shed where security looks poor will suggest nothing worth nicking
so if it looks poorly secured but is well secured its the best option

 

[AlanB1976]

Good point. I won't be able to hide it well without being obvious so I'll have to add the security on the inside (e.g. Some reinforcing panels, etc.).
There is already cctv around my house (one of our potplants was stolen and I kinda went overboard) so hopefully that will help deter a bit.
I had a look at the security shed buxus posted but it only seems a little more secure than a normal. I think I'll go with a fairly cheap one and spend the rest on some additional wood to secure and better hinges, brackets, etc. Will most likely get the Shire 7x5 windowless pressure treated one.