Planning Permission for Decking – What You Need to Know

Looking to enhance your garden hardscape by installing a new decking and not sure about planning permission rules?

We totally don’t blame you for wanting to revamp your recreational green area! A relatively new landscape design concept in the UK, a decking adds to the aesthetic look of your garden space by creating a welcoming feel and modern appeal. Also, without a doubt, it offers functionality in terms of extending your living space outdoors.

So, if you are:

• Thinking of installing a deck;
• Wondering whether you need planning permission;
• Want to know how to apply,

Read on! This article is for you.

With this post, we’ll explore the current legislation in the UK, whether you need planning permission for decking or not, and if yes – in what circumstances.

But first, let’s give our thumbs up for this easy-to-build attractive garden feature by summing up why now Brits are buying into the idea of having one.

The benefits of decking are:

If you’ve been sitting on the fence for a while, surely, you’re convinced now of its advantages, right? Then, read on and learn about the rules that apply to building a decking.

Do I need to apply for planning permission to build a deck?

Good news! In most cases, you are not required by law to get planning permission for decking. Effectively from 1st October 2008, as a property owner, you are exempt from needing to apply for permission to install a timber decking structure in your garden, be it a stand-alone fixture or a natural and handy extension of your interior floor surface.

However, your permitted development rights for a decking installation change instantly, if:

In these cases, you must submit an application for planning permission with your local authority, in order to install your decking.

What if my decking is too high or too large?

A raised decking is the ideal opportunity to resolve undesirable characteristics of your natural garden landscape. From hard-to-fix subsidence problems, a sloping or undulating terrain to a generally uneven ground, a decking installation will provide you with a nice, flat and neat surface for relaxation or it will help you fulfil your outdoor entertainment needs.

Furthermore, a split-level deck or an elevated veranda-style timber structure on perfectly level ground will create a trendy looking terraced garden that offers depth, a different perspective and versatile functionality.

The above decking design ideas, however, may land you in trouble if the timber platform exceeds the legal requirements for size and height.

Therefore, what you need to do if your decking is too high (or large) is to get the right planning permission.

How to apply for planning permission

If you are required to obtain planning permission for decking, you’ll need to apply with your local planning office.

You should fill the online application form at the official planning portal, created by the UK government for this purpose. Note that you should apply for a permit even if you intend to rework or replace an existing decking structure that is too high or exceeds 50% of your garden area.

Consider informing your neighbours

Also, an important consideration to think about is informing the neighbours of your intentions. If your application is backed by your neighbours’ permission, you’ll increase your chances of approval. It’s rather common for homeowners to get a refusal of their garden decking planning application, due to a neighbour’s objection to the new garden hardscape feature.

Moreover, the law says that you must gain planning permission for your decking if the structure is likely to decrease the value of your neighbour’s property or disturb their privacy.
In other words, it won’t hurt if you show respect for the homeowner next door and let them know about your plans.

When do you need building regulations approval?

Finally, if your decking poses risks for the safety of people when using it, then, you may need to consider applying for a Building Regulations Approval by filling the online building control application form at the same portal, mentioned above. As you can imagine, the higher the structure, the more safety issues it entails. Hence, a specialist should assess all possible risks of falls and injuries and ensure that provisions for installing safety features (railings and stairs) are made.

At what height does decking need a balustrade?

As we’ve mentioned above, any safety features, such as stairs, balustrades or structural elements that support your decking, if it is above a certain height, must meet Building Regulations in the UK. In that sense, you should always rely on the expertise of a certified specialist to design and install a balustrade for you. The professional will know exactly how high the safety barrier should be, based on the height of the actual decking.

Check below at what height your decking needs a balustrade:

• Install a 3ft-high balustrade on a deck that doesn’t exceed 2ft in height;
• Higher deckings that stand over 2ft high require a railing that is minimum 4ft high.

How to know if my permitted development rights have been removed?

There are various other circumstances, which remove your permitted development rights. This means that you must apply for planning permission for your decking if:

We hope, now, that you understand when your decking may fall outside your permitted development rights and when you can go ahead safely with your new decking design project without a special planning approval.

What if I want to build a timber deck? Are there specific guidelines?

To stay safe and conform with all relevant regulations, you can check out the technical guidance on the type of timber you can use for your new decking structure, released by the National House Building Council in the UK. Another useful document is the code of practice for raised timber deck structures on new homes, issued by TDCA (The Timber Decking and Cladding Association). Both guides focus on newly built properties, but anyone, who intends to install a deck on their existing property, will find them helpful.

The same organisation has also published a professionals’ manual for building and installing timber decks that you can benefit from, as well. All the above will be of help even you are using composite materials for your structure, instead of timber, with regards to design matters and safety standards.

Still, we always recommend that you double check with your local authority if you need to get planning permission before you start any building work. And if you feel apprehensive about your DIY carpentry and landscaping skills, why not contact the Fantastic decking installation and repair specialists and save yourself a headache?

Takeaways

• Decking is a good way to provide a modern aesthetic to your yard.
• You don’t need planning permission in most cases.
• You will need planning permission for decking that is taller than 30cm or covers more than 50% of your property.
• You can apply at your local planning office.
• You should inform your neighbours before taking on building projects.

Disclaimer: Every piece of information here is meant for informational and educational purposes only. So please, do not use this as a definitive legal advice. Fantastic Services encourages you to seek authority professional counsel before you decide to act upon what you have read. For more information, check our disclaimer.

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