Deck Planning Permission UK … do I need it?
Deck planning permission in the UK is overlooked. Mainly for installations where the unsuspecting client instructs a contractor to build a deck. Finding that you do need it and don’t have it, the local Council can order it to be removed.
If you build it yourself as a DIY project then the responsibility is with you. If you ask someone else to build it then it becomes their responsibility by default. You may have a Principal designer, so they should take care pf regulations in this respect. CDM regulations 2015 refers
Planning Permission for decking or other raised platforms in England
Constructing decking, or other raised platforms, in your garden is classed as permitted development. You do not need planning permission unless your decking meets the following criteria:
- The decking is more than 30cm above the ground.
- Together with other extensions, outbuildings; the decking or platform covers more than 50 per cent of the garden area.
- The decking or platform is on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation.
- The decking or platform affects the amenity value of an adjacent property.
Additional planning limitations may also apply
- In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the maximum area to be covered more than 20 metres from the house is limited to 10 square metres.
- On designated land, no decking or platform is permitted either side of the house. See your local planning office for clarification.
- Within the curtilage of a listed building, no decking or platform is permitted.
Please note: the permitted development allowances described here apply to houses not flats, maisonettes or other buildings. If this is the case, full planning permission for garden decking is required.
Deck planning as part of a new extension
If the decking is an element of a larger project, then there may be different/further rules. The example being “an extension with additional decking”. These rules should apply to the entire development.
This could mean planning permission or prior approval is required. In the instance of a planning application for an extension where you will need decking as part of this project is always best to get this drawn up as part of the same application.
I already have a deck and wish to replace it.
If this is an existing raised deck you may need to apply to planning and request “The right to retain and existing structure”.
- Without consent from planning, you may face opposition in submitting a retrospective application and may have to remove the structure.
Good luck with your planning permission for garden decking.
It is wise top consult your local planing officer for specific local information or for Pre-Planning advice.
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Planning Permission for decking or other raised platforms in Wales
Decking is treated either as an extension if it is within 5m of the house. Decking is treated as an outbuilding, if it is more than 5m from the house.
Where the decking is raised the area under the decking must be taken into account when assessing the cubic capacity allowances.
Outbuildings
Outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, not needing planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:
- No outbuilding can be closer to the highway than that part of the original dwellinghouse* nearest to the highway or any point 20m from the highway, whichever is nearest.
- Outbuildings and garages should be less than four metres in height with a ridged roof or three metres in any other case.
- No more than half the area of land around the “original house”* would be covered by additions or other buildings.
- If the outbuilding is greater than 10 cubic metres in size and is within five metres of a house, it is considered to be an extension, not an outbuilding.
- In National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and within the curtilage of a listed building the cubic content of the building should not be bigger than 10 cubic metres.
*The term “original house” means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.
*Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.
Extensions
- Extensions cannot exceed 115 cubic metres under permitted development rights.
- No part of the extension should exceed the highest part of the roof of the original dwelling
- No more than half the area of land around the “original house”* would be covered by additions or other buildings.
- No extension should be closer to a highway than 20 metres, or closer than the original dwelling, whichever is nearer.
- The extensions should not exceed four metres in height within two metres of the boundary of the dwelling
- You should not alter any part of the roof.
- Extensions are not permitted development within the curtilage of a listed building
- You should not use cladding in National Parks, AONBs and conservation areas.
- If you live within a National Park, AONB or conservation area, then the development of an outbuilding greater than 10 cubic metres, within five metres of a dwelling, is treated as an extension.
Please note: the permitted development allowances described here apply to houses not flats, maisonettes or other buildings, if this is the case full planning is required.
I already have a deck and wish to replace it.
If this is an existing raised deck you may need to apply to planning and request “The right to retain and existing structure”.
NB. Without consent from planning, you may face opposition in submitting a retrospective application and may have to remove the structure.
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Planning Permission for decking or other raised platforms in Scotland
Putting up decking, or other raised platforms, in your garden is permitted development, not normally needing an application for planning permission, although you may require a building warrant.
Permitted development
Whether or not you need planning permission often depends on the size and location of the decking. It depends on the type of property you live in, it’s always best to check with the planning authority first. Be aware that if you live in a conservation area, you may need to apply for planning permission to make these kinds of alterations.
NB. Without consent from planning, you may face opposition in submitting a retrospective application and may have to remove the structure.
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