Will I need planning permission for landscaping?
Project type
Planning permission is required if you want to pave your front garden creating a patch of ground surfaced with hard material (known as a hardstanding) of more than five square metres if you aren't using permeable materials like gravel or special permeable paviours (paving stones).
This is because the conversion of gardens to driveways in urban areas has increased the amount of water that goes into the storm drains when it rains which in turn has contributed to the increase in flooding.
Planning permission for decking?
If you are constructing decking you may need planning permission.
To avoid this make sure that:
- The decking is no more than 30cm above the ground.
- Together with other extensions, outbuildings etc., the decking or platforms cover no more than 50% of the garden area.
- None of the decking or platform is on land in front of a wall forming the principal elevation (i.e. in front of the house).
Always check before you install your decking as most retrospective planning applications are turned down and you may be ordered to dismantle your new deck.
Not having planning permission for a deck or any other controllable project can also make the sale of your property more complicated.
If your decking needs planning permission you will also need to follow building regulations and consider things like the structure and joist sizes, steps and how you will use suitable guarding to prevent people from falling off the edge.
Further information
Will I need building regulations approval for landscaping?
