Putting up decking, or other raised platforms, in your garden is permitted development, not needing an application for planning permission, providing:
- The decking or raised platform cannot extend beyond a wall comprised in the principal elevation of the original dwellinghouse. Guidance on what constitutes the principal elevation is contained within the householder guide.
- The decking or platform is no more than 30cm above the ground.
- Together with other extensions, outbuildings etc, the decking or platforms cover no more than 50 per cent of the garden area.
- The decking or raised platform cannot extend beyond the side elevation of the house when the development would be any closer to a highway than the existing house, or at least 5 metres from the highway – whichever is nearest.
Please note: the permitted development allowances described here apply to houses not flats, maisonettes or other buildings. View guidance on flats and maisonettes here.
Removal of permitted development rights
You need to be aware of whether the permitted development rights have been removed from your property by the Local Planning Authority. If they have been removed, you must submit a planning application for the work.
The Local Planning Authority may have removed some of your permitted development rights as a condition of the original planning permission for your property. This information will be available on the planning register held by the Local Planning Authority. Permitted development rights may also have been removed by an 'Article 4' direction. These are most common in conservation areas where the character of an area could be threatened by unmanaged development. Your solicitor should have informed you of whether an article 4 direction exists when you purchased your property, but you can check with the Local Planning Authority if you are not sure.