[Closed] Sheds, Garages, Wood Store, Outbuildings..... Experiences please

Any of you have any experience of planning permission to erect an outbuilding "...on land forward of the wall forming the principle elevation."

Ive got my eye on a house that has a tiny terraced rear garden, with a right of access via neighbouring property. It has a huge front garden.

If i understand correctly, I will need planning permission to build anything in the front. Who judges planning applications? is it worth getting the neighbours onside first? Should i go large and be prepared to scale back, or plan something a little more discreet? Should i buy a scrap old van and improve its security for a 'mobile' bike shed?

for reference, i could place a standard B&Q shed a metre from the front boundry and it would be hidden from the world by the existing hedge.