Do You Need Planning Permission for Decking in the Garden?

Garden decking is one of the fascinating home improvement projects any homeowner can venture into. There are a hundred ways you can design your garden decking. This depends on how you want it to blend with your personal preference and the overall design of your home.

If you have ventured into garden landscaping, it is not impossible to have crossed your mind adding a garden deck. Fabulous designs abound, and all you have to do is check and ask.

But in any building venture, you may wonder if adding a garden deck requires certain permission in the local building industry. From here, let us find out.

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A garden deck can be raised or directly built on over a ground. Nevertheless, it still needs a base before the panels are laid down.

Before you plan to build your garden deck and want to expand your outdoor living, it is important to know the things required. Enjoy your outdoors anytime of the day with a carefully planned garden deck.

Things to consider when building a garden deck

Dealing with the local government

In any construction project, homeowners always think of permits. Is building a garden deck requires permits? What does your government say about this?

A garden deck that is already built creates a welcoming feel. You don’t want to mess and rebuild when you are not sure about planning permission protocols.

With a decking, you don’t need to secure planning permission from the local government. This allowance has been taken into effect since 2008 where property owners are exempted from getting building permits. Whether your planned deck is a stand-alone or attached to any part of your home that serves as an extension.

• There should only be a maximum height limit for the deck platform. Some decks are almost directly laid down on the ground, this is not suitable for lumber types that easily decompose. But for those who really want a raised deck, it should not exceed a height of 30 cm from the ground.
• Every property has a fence or a perimeter fence if without a gate or front fence. When building a deck, the railing shouldn’t be higher than the property’s fence.
• Your garden deck is considered an extension of your home, whether it is a standalone or attached. Just like sheds and other buildings built aside from the home covers a certain area in your land. As a rule, such addition should not exceed 50% of the total size of your property.
• Your new deck should give you comfort, add aesthetics, and many other benefits for your entire family. However, you need to ensure that your new building project doesn’t have a negative impact on your neighbour’s privacy. For example, property breach is an offense that can serve you headaches in the court. Before you begin to build your deck, ensure with your contractor that all else is clear.
• Garden landscaping is not a project done overnight. If you have a garden already landscaped, adding a deck would disrupt the natural structure of the ground. While it is ideal to have raised decks, sloped lands are quite a tough to deal with to make them even. Also, upon digging you might get into some piping connections that will affect your neighbours utility setup. You can have more peace of mind if your builders have resolved the problems before putting up the deck.
• The excitement to see a finished deck is priceless. But an elevated deck that also serves as a terrace will have implications when it is built too high. Check with your local government for such a plan and observe what you need to do. If you have to secure certain requirements or permits, then do so to avoid disputes in the community in the end.
• Respect is a value you cannot earn if you show one. Somehow, your neighbour’s approval of your deck will give you peace of mind and goodwill. It is important to also respect their privacy or decision by simply letting them know you are planning to add a deck. You may never know there could be something within your properties that could be damaged and that your neighbours knew about it, at least you are prepared. Though they may not be the “legal” authorities to deal with, giving them some insights about your property may inspire them to do the same. It is better to walk and live with a happy heart than having grudges with one another.

Let us help you!

It is good to know where your property falls regarding permitted development rights. Your new decking project will only be of value to you if you understand what you are getting into and that you have sought all necessary planning approval. It’s nice to have a clean conscience to pursue your dream deck and enjoy it for the rest of your life.

Check out relevant regulations on lumber use so as to protect your project in the future. These regulations will help you specify the correct lumber to use if you opt for wood decks. If you need to go on with composite, you can still achieve the design you wish as long as you are observing safety standards.

Call our office and inquire from us how to begin with your garden decking. If you feel you can rely more on our building skills than venturing into a DIY, our team is ready to help. Contact us now for your decking installation specialists and let’s talk about things.