Installing composite decking in your back garden is a great way to modernise your outdoor space and give you a designated area from which to enjoy your garden throughout the seasons. Due to its recycled plastic and timber composition, composite decking is also much more robust than standard timber decking. You can be sure that when you invest in some composite decking for your garden, you’re going to be building a deck that’s going to stand the test of time.
However, if you build your decking without first checking if you need planning permission, you risk wasting your money and having it dismantled by local authorities. So, when do you need planning permission and when don’t you need it? Let’s take a look.
When do you need planning permission?
Decking has become a popular choice for garden installations, offering a way to enhance the versatility of any outdoor space. You might be wondering if everyone who builds decking in their backyard needs to obtain planning permission from local authorities, but that’s not the case. You can install decking in your garden, timber or composite, without a permit, but you need to stay within the regulations.
If your decking project is going to be 30cm tall or smaller and cover less than 50% of your garden, you’re good to go! However, if you’re planning on a slightly taller deck and for it to take up somewhat more space than a deck in the average garden (over 50%), or combined with another house extension that exceeds this limit then you will need to seek out planning permission from your local governing body.
Rural and natural landscapes
It’s worth noting that this is for houses built in towns and cities, if you live in certain areas such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), National Parks, the Broads or World Heritage Sites additional requirements and limitations are in place to preserve the environment. If you’re unsure of how to proceed with your decking project, it’s always best to get in touch with your Local Planning Authority and get the all-clear before starting any work.
How do you get planning permission?
Planning permission forms for raised decking can be found either with your local planning authority, or you can go through the Government website to find your local authorities website, where you will find all the necessary contacts and resources to help you figure out what planning permission you need to proceed with your composite decking project, and how to go about getting it.
Remember to reach out to your neighbours
If it turns out that you do, in fact, need planning permission for your decking project, your local planning authority will strongly advise you to inform your neighbours of the changes you wish to make to your home. If your neighbours are opposed to the idea of you building your decking, the whole thing can be denied by the local authorities, even if it’s the perfect height and covers less than half of your garden. If the project impacts your neighbours or their property in any way, you must get their permission before you can even think about starting to build.
If you keep all of this in mind when planning for your composite decking, your project should be a breeze! If you’re unsure whether you need planning permission, it’s always best to reach out to your local authority just to be sure so you can build your composite deck with confidence.
If you’re looking for affordable and stylish composite decking, you’re in the right place! At North Valley Composites, we have a wide variety of composite decking to choose from, so there’s something to fit every style, whether you prefer something more natural like Chocolate or Teak, something modern like Ash, or something bold like Black Ash. If you need help deciding, that’s what we’re here for. Get in touch with our friendly team on 01282 677300, and we’ll be happy to help!
Do I need planning permission to install composite decking?
Installing composite decking in your back garden is a great way to modernise your outdoor space and give you a designated area from which to enjoy your garden throughout the seasons. Due to its recycled plastic and timber composition, composite decking is also much more robust than standard timber decking. You can be sure that when you invest in some composite decking for your garden, you’re going to be building a deck that’s going to stand the test of time.
However, if you build your decking without first checking if you need planning permission, you risk wasting your money and having it dismantled by local authorities. So, when do you need planning permission and when don’t you need it? Let’s take a look.
When do you need planning permission?
Decking has become a popular choice for garden installations, offering a way to enhance the versatility of any outdoor space. You might be wondering if everyone who builds decking in their backyard needs to obtain planning permission from local authorities, but that’s not the case. You can install decking in your garden, timber or composite, without a permit, but you need to stay within the regulations.
If your decking project is going to be 30cm tall or smaller and cover less than 50% of your garden, you’re good to go! However, if you’re planning on a slightly taller deck and for it to take up somewhat more space than a deck in the average garden (over 50%), or combined with another house extension that exceeds this limit then you will need to seek out planning permission from your local governing body.
Rural and natural landscapes
It’s worth noting that this is for houses built in towns and cities, if you live in certain areas such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), National Parks, the Broads or World Heritage Sites additional requirements and limitations are in place to preserve the environment. If you’re unsure of how to proceed with your decking project, it’s always best to get in touch with your Local Planning Authority and get the all-clear before starting any work.
How do you get planning permission?
Planning permission forms for raised decking can be found either with your local planning authority, or you can go through the Government website to find your local authorities website, where you will find all the necessary contacts and resources to help you figure out what planning permission you need to proceed with your composite decking project, and how to go about getting it.
Remember to reach out to your neighbours
If it turns out that you do, in fact, need planning permission for your decking project, your local planning authority will strongly advise you to inform your neighbours of the changes you wish to make to your home. If your neighbours are opposed to the idea of you building your decking, the whole thing can be denied by the local authorities, even if it’s the perfect height and covers less than half of your garden. If the project impacts your neighbours or their property in any way, you must get their permission before you can even think about starting to build.
If you keep all of this in mind when planning for your composite decking, your project should be a breeze! If you’re unsure whether you need planning permission, it’s always best to reach out to your local authority just to be sure so you can build your composite deck with confidence.
If you’re looking for affordable and stylish composite decking, you’re in the right place! At North Valley Composites, we have a wide variety of composite decking to choose from, so there’s something to fit every style, whether you prefer something more natural like Chocolate or Teak, something modern like Ash, or something bold like Black Ash. If you need help deciding, that’s what we’re here for. Get in touch with our friendly team on 01282 677300, and we’ll be happy to help!