Planning permission for decking

Question

We want to build raised decking in the back garden, about 500mm off the ground at the highest point. Does this need planning permission? Or does permitted development cover it?

Blerim · Answer

In most cases, decking up to 300mm high falls under permitted development. At around 500mm high, planning permission may be required depending on the final height, location, and local authority guidelines. It’s always best to check with your local planning department before starting work.

Sulcarinean · Answer

In England, permitted development generally allows raised decking without planning permission as long as it stays under thirty centimetres in height at its highest point, alongside the usual rules on how much of the garden can be covered by outbuildings and decking combined. Since you are describing something around half a metre high at the highest point, that is above the permitted development threshold, so you would most likely need planning permission for this one. Permitted development rights can also be restricted or removed entirely in some cases (conservation areas, listed buildings, flats, or if a previous planning condition removed them), so it is worth a quick call to your local council's planning department to confirm before you build, since removing decking that turns out to need permission is a much bigger headache than checking first.

Michael · Answer

Hi Andrew you do not need planning permission for decking in the uk as this falls under permitted development. Let me know if you need further help mike

Peter · Answer

If you dec area is more than 30cm of the ground and yes you do need planning. It’s best to get in touch with your local planning office and ask them for advice

Jon · Answer

Hi there, no planning permission is required for decking or any landscaping. The only permissions you would need are from the water board if you were planning on relocating drainage. If you are decking over ibspection chambers then an access hatcb would have to be made in the decking. Apart from that youre good to go.
Hope this helps
Many thanks
Jon Hartley
HP Contracting ltd

J Amaral · Answer

You shouldn’t need planning permission for that hight but depending on your neighbours is always better to ask questions to the consul good luck

Oliver · Answer

, you will likely need full planning permission because your proposed decking height of 500mm exceeds the strict 300mm (30cm) height limit allowed under standard Permitted Development rights in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Dave · Answer

Permitted development normally only covers decking or raised platforms up to 300mm above ground level. As yours would be approximately 500mm high at its highest point, it is likely to require planning permission.

Other permitted-development conditions also apply: the decking and other buildings or extensions must not cover more than 50% of the garden, and it must not be forward of the house’s principal elevation. These rights generally apply to houses, not flats or maisonettes.

Because the garden slopes, I would recommend checking the exact measurements and plans with your local council’s planning department before starting work.

Kevin · Answer

No planning permission required providing your frame is supported every 400 mm that's fine

Jonathan · Answer

Hi Patrick,

A lot of decking projects can be built without planning permission, but the height is one of the key things to consider. Once a deck is raised more than 300mm above the existing ground level, it may not fall under the same permitted development rules as a low-level deck.

At around 500mm high, it's definitely something to be mindful of when planning the design, particularly if the garden slopes or the decking overlooks neighbouring properties. The exact requirements can vary depending on the site and the overall project.

Hope this helps,

Jonathan 
Vision Garden Spaces Ltd

Planning permission for decking

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