Do You Need Planning Permission to Install Composite Decking?

Adding a beautiful composite deck is a great way to enhance your garden and create an inviting outdoor living space.

Composite decking, like the high-quality options from Assured Composite, offers the natural look of wood with superior durability and less maintenance.

But before you start your decking project, it’s important to understand if you need to obtain planning permission first.

In this article, we discuss everything you need to know.

What’s the difference between planning permission and building regulations?

Planning permission deals with the development of buildings and land and is usually granted by your local planning authority. It focuses on the appearance of buildings and their impact on the local environment. Building regulations set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health of people in or around those buildings.

In most cases, you will not need planning permission for decking if it falls within ‘permitted development rights’. To meet these requirements:

• • The deck must be no more than 30cm above the ground.

• • Together with other extensions and outbuildings, the deck must cover no more than 50% of the garden area.

• • The deck must not be on the front of the house or on a side elevation that faces onto a road.

However, planning permission will likely be needed if:

• • The deck platform is over 30cm high.

• • The decking would cover a large portion of your garden (over 50% of the original garden space when added to existing structures).

• • You live in a conservation area, listed building, national park or area of outstanding natural beauty, which has more stringent planning rules.

• • The deck structure would affect a neighbour’s right to light or privacy.

Even if your decking doesn’t require planning permission, it may still need to comply with building regulations if the structure is over a certain size or height. Regulations apply if the deck is over 30cm high, over 15 square metres or attached to a building with a level difference of more than 60cm. Building regulation approval is needed to ensure the deck is structurally sound.

Do I need to inform my neighbours?

It’s always a good idea to inform neighbours of your plans as a courtesy, even if planning permission isn’t required. If a neighbour objects and your deck needs planning permission, it could lead to an ‘enforcement notice’, requiring you to remove the structure. Discussing plans early can help avoid disputes.

To get planning permission for a garden deck, you’ll need to submit an application to your local planning authority. This usually includes:

• • A completed application form

• • Detailed drawings and plans of the deck

• • An application fee

The planning authority will then assess the deck’s impact on the local area and make a decision, which typically takes eight weeks. They may set certain conditions for approval.

Ready to transform your garden with a stunning composite deck? At Assured Composite, we offer a wide range of high-quality, low-maintenance composite decking options to suit any style and budget. Order your free samples today.