Planning permission for decking
Garden decking is permitted development if it stays no more than 30cm above the ground and, with other structures, covers no more than half the garden.
Most ground-level decking needs no permission. It is raised platforms, and decking that covers a large share of the garden, that bring the rules into play.
- No more than 30cm above ground level
- Decking and other structures together covering no more than 50% of the garden
- Not forward of the principal elevation of the house
- Raised decking or platforms higher than 30cm
- Coverage of more than half the garden, or decking on designated land / listed building curtilage
- Flats, maisonettes and converted houses
- Decking forming part of a larger project such as an extension
Don't forget building regs
Ground-level domestic decking is generally outside building regulations, but raised decking that provides access or forms a balcony can bring structural and guarding requirements into scope.
If your decking is part of a wider landscaping or extension scheme, we can design it as part of the whole and flag anything that pushes it past the permitted development limits. Get in touch through the contact page.
Frequently asked
Does garden decking need planning permission?
Not if it is no more than 30cm above ground level and, together with other structures, covers no more than half your garden. Raised decking, or decking on designated land, does need permission.
Do I need permission for raised decking?
Often yes. Once decking rises above 30cm it is no longer automatically permitted development, and raised platforms overlooking neighbours are assessed for privacy. We can check your design.
Not sure where your project stands?
Checking whether you need planning permission is one of the first things we do: on the house, before any drawings. Tell us about your project and we'll confirm the route.