Building Regulations for Decking

Building Regulations for Decking in England

Building Regulations for decking should be assumed to apply to every deck structure requiring planning permission. Simply contact your local Building Control.

Decking installations don’t usually require building regulations unless they perform part of the structure of a new build or add to the primary structure of the dwelling.

Decking platforms in the UK will may be constructed using ‘permitted development’ regulations. It is always best to check with the local authority prior to getting anything designed or built.

• The decking is no more than 30cm off the average level of the ground
• The decking platform foot print occupies no more than 50% of the total garden within the curtilage of the property land. (This includes extensions, outhouses & other buildings)

You can find further information on Permitted Development on the UK Government Planning Portal.

Where decking platforms cannot for any reason comply with these guidelines, planning permission will always need to be acquired. You may be formally demanded to remove your structure if you fail to conform or seek full permission.

Permitted Development may not always apply and therefore planning permission must be formally requested.

• Where the decking is situated within 20 metres of a highway.
• If the structure would affect the amenity value or privacy of adjacent dwellings.
• If the decking to be part or connected to a listed building or located within a national park or conservation area.
• A raised decking platform or any connecting part there within for a construction which exceeds 3 metres in height.

If you are unsure about whether you are required to comply, you may wish to contact your local Building Control body.

This information is borne out of requesting details from many Building Control offices and applies to domestic installations commercial installations may differ and require specialist permission.

Building Regulations for Decking in Wales

Building Regulations should be assumed to apply to every deck structure requiring planning permission. Simply contact your local Building Control.

As your decking is treated either as an extension if it is within 5m of the house, or as an outbuilding if it is more than 5m from the house, building regulations will apply accordingly

Building Regulations for Decking in Scotland

Building Regulations should be assumed to apply to every deck structure requiring planning permission. Simply contact your local Building Control.

Your decking installation may not require a Building Warrant but shall always comply with Building Regulations

If you’re unsure about whether you are required to comply, you may wish to contact your local Building Control body for further information.

Regulations and Guidance for deck Building

If you are wanting to ensure that your deck structure is built correctly you can find out more information here.