Do I Need Garden Planning Permission For My Project?

Posted by Milrika Ekilski

February 8, 2010

Many of us think that if we own property that we can or should be able to do whatever we want with it. Unfortunately, this is not true and there are some things that require us to seek special permission for. Whether you are building a shed, adding an extension, or constructing a new fence, you may need garden planning permission.

If you are unsure about whether you need permission or not for your new project, contact the local authorities. Many cities have special planning departments who make these decisions. For more complex projects, it might take the city a long time to decide whether or not you are allowed to make the changes you are asking for.

You may also want to talk to the neighbors about the changes you are planning on making, especially if it affects them. For example, installing new lights outdoors can affect the neighbors lives. Building a tall structure can also affect their views of things, so have a conversation with them before starting your work.

Many of us think that we can build fences and gates however we please on our properties. However, some cities have very specific rules about building these, so you should check to be sure.

Though it is normally okay to plant trees or hedges on properties that are close to a highway, permission may be required for walls, gates, and fences.

It is usually safe to go ahead and do what you want with your back gardens patio area without asking for permission. However, there are some cases when you should ask. If you are going to be using the area for cars or as a driveway, permission may be required. Otherwise, feel free to turn the entire yard into concrete if you want.

If you plan to build a swimming pool, a summer house, shed, or tennis court, you probably will not have to seek the permission of the city. The same goes for greenhouses, enclosures for animals, ponds, and sauna cabins. If any structure that you build ends up taking up lots of space, either horizontally or vertically, you may need to ask for permission. If what you build is for commercial reasons, you most likely will need permission.

Before doing anything major on your property, make sure that you are allowed to do it by asking the appropriate authorities in your city. For anything that is quite large, garden planning permission might be a requirement. Also, if you own an apartment, you will need to ask permission for most changes you want to make.

Need to know if you need garden planning permission? Or if you can do without it? At the Clearance Paving website, you can know more about garden planning permission or for finding materials for paving.