Do I Need Planning Permission to Landscape My Garden?

For many ordinary garden landscaping projects in England, planning permission is not required.

Homeowners can generally undertake a considerable amount of work within their gardens without making a planning application.

However, there are important exceptions.

Planning or another form of consent may become relevant where a project involves:

• Significant changes in levels

• Raised decking or platforms

• New or altered boundary walls, fences or gates

• Garden buildings and structures

• Work affecting a listed building

• A property within a conservation area

• Protected trees

• Certain engineering operations

• Development subject to previous planning conditions

• Properties where permitted development rights have been restricted or removed.

The safest approach is therefore not to assume either:

“It is only landscaping, so planning permission cannot apply.”

or:

“We are changing the garden, so we must need planning permission.”

The correct answer depends on what you intend to build, where it will be positioned and the planning status of the property.

This guide relates principally to residential properties in England, including the areas of North West England in which Kirman Design works.

Does Ordinary Garden Landscaping Need Planning Permission?

Much routine garden work can normally be carried out without a planning application.

Examples may include:

• Planting borders

• Replacing plants

• Creating lawns

• Installing many patios at ground level

• Planting hedges

• Planting trees

• General garden maintenance

• Replacing existing landscape features on a like-for-like basis.

However, the overall project still needs to be considered carefully.

A garden transformation may combine several individual elements, and while some may not require permission, another part of the project might.

Planning Permission and Garden Design

Planning considerations are best identified during the design process, not after construction has started.

A professional garden design may involve:

• Patios

• Steps

• Walls

• Terraces

• Pergolas

• Outdoor kitchens

• Water features

• Lighting

• Screening

• Trees

• Changes in level.

Our Complete Garden Design and Build page explains how design and landscape construction can be considered together.

What Is Permitted Development?

Certain forms of development can be carried out without making a conventional planning application because planning permission is granted nationally through permitted development rights.

However, these rights are subject to:

• Limits

• Conditions

• Property type

• Location.

They may also have been restricted or removed.

This is why simply saying that a particular garden feature is “permitted development” is not enough.

You need to establish whether the relevant rights actually apply to your property and your proposed work.

Do Permitted Development Rights Apply to Every Property?

No.

Additional restrictions can apply to:

• Listed buildings

• Conservation areas

• Designated land

• Properties affected by Article 4 directions

• Properties subject to planning conditions.

Permitted development rights relating to houses also do not necessarily apply in the same way to:

• Flats

• Maisonettes.

Always check the circumstances of the particular property.

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Patio?

A conventional patio laid at or around existing ground level will not normally require planning permission simply because paving is being installed.

However, other considerations can arise.

For example:

• Is the patio significantly raised?

• Are garden levels being altered?

• Are retaining walls required?

• Is drainage affected?

• Is the property listed?

• Is the project creating a raised terrace that affects neighbouring privacy?

A patio should therefore be considered as part of the wider landscape rather than simply as an area of paving.

Our Garden Patio Ideas page explores patio design in more detail.

Patios and House Extensions

Patio design becomes particularly important where a house has recently been extended.

New floor levels and large areas of glazing can create pressure to raise the garden.

Our Patio Design Outside Bifold Doors page explores this relationship.

You should not automatically assume that raising the entire garden to meet an internal floor level is the correct solution.

Garden Levels After an Extension

Our Garden Levels After an Extension page explores how levels can be managed following building work.

A carefully designed combination of:

• Patios

• Steps

• Retaining

• Planting

may provide a better solution than unnecessarily raising large areas of the garden.

Level Access From House to Garden

Where level access is required, threshold design becomes particularly important.

Our Level Access from House to Garden page explores how:

• Internal floor level

• External paving

• Drainage

• Accessibility

can be coordinated.

Do I Need Planning Permission for Decking?

Decking and other raised platforms have specific permitted development rules in England.

In broad terms, decking may be permitted development where:

• It is no more than 30cm above ground level

• Together with other relevant buildings, extensions and platforms, it does not result in more than 50% of the garden area being covered

• It is not forward of a wall forming the principal elevation of the house.

Additional restrictions can apply on designated land and within the curtilage of listed buildings.

The exact proposal should therefore be checked before construction.

What If My Deck Is Higher Than 30cm?

If the decking or raised platform exceeds the permitted development limits, planning permission may be required.

This becomes particularly relevant in:

• Sloping gardens

• Gardens with raised terraces

• Properties where a deck could increase overlooking.

Do not measure only from the most convenient point.

The relationship between the structure and the surrounding ground needs to be properly understood.

Raised Patios and Terraces

Raised paved terraces can create similar planning concerns.

They may alter:

• Levels

• Privacy

• Views

• Relationship with neighbouring properties.

This is particularly important where a terrace is constructed close to a boundary.

Sloping Gardens and Planning Permission

Sloping gardens frequently involve more complicated landscape construction.

Our Sloping Gardens page explores how slopes can be managed through:

• Terracing

• Retaining walls

• Steps

• Planting.

More substantial alterations to land levels may potentially amount to engineering operations requiring planning consideration.

If significant excavation or raising of ground is proposed, it is sensible to check with the local planning authority before work begins.

Landscaping a Steep Garden

Steeper sites may require more substantial intervention.

Our Landscaping a Steep Garden page explores options for difficult gradients.

The greater the proposed change to the existing landform, the more important it becomes to establish whether planning permission or other professional input is required.

Do Retaining Walls Need Planning Permission?

Not every garden retaining wall requires planning permission.

However, retaining structures should not automatically be treated as ordinary decorative garden walls.

A substantial retaining wall may be connected with:

• Significant level changes

• Engineering operations

• Raised terraces

• Boundary changes.

Our Garden Retaining Walls page explores their wider landscape role.

Large retaining structures may also require appropriate structural design regardless of the planning position.

Do I Need Planning Permission for Garden Steps?

Ordinary garden steps do not normally require a planning application simply because they are steps.

However, they may form part of a wider scheme involving:

• Raised platforms

• Terracing

• Retaining walls

• Significant level changes.

Our Garden Steps page explores how steps should be integrated into the landscape.

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Garden Wall?

Boundary walls are subject to planning rules.

In England, a new or altered fence, wall or gate will generally fall within permitted development limits where it does not exceed:

• 1 metre in height where it is next to a highway used by vehicles, or the footpath of such a highway

• 2 metres in height elsewhere.

Other conditions apply.

For example, different considerations arise where:

• The property is listed

• The boundary adjoins a listed property or its curtilage

• Permitted development rights have been removed.

The precise circumstances should always be checked.

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Fence?

The same broad height limits apply to many:

• Fences

• Gates

• Boundary walls.

This means the commonly repeated statement:

“You can build a two-metre fence without planning permission”

is incomplete.

Its location matters.

A boundary next to a highway used by vehicles, or the footpath of such a highway, is subject to the lower one-metre permitted development limit.

What About Existing Fences Over Two Metres High?

The permitted development rules can allow alteration, maintenance or improvement of an existing boundary that already exceeds the usual height limits, provided its height is not increased and the other relevant conditions are satisfied.

However, check the individual circumstances before relying on this.

Do Hedges Need Planning Permission?

Hedges as such do not normally require planning permission.

However, restrictions can still arise.

For example:

• A planning condition may restrict planting

• A covenant may affect what can be planted

• Planting may interfere with a driver's sightline

• Other legal considerations may apply.

This can be particularly relevant on some open-plan housing estates.

Can I Plant a Privacy Hedge Without Planning Permission?

Often, yes.

But it is worth checking:

• Planning conditions

• Covenants

• Sightlines

• Boundary ownership.

Privacy should also be considered in relation to the entire garden.

Our Garden Privacy page explores how planting, trees and structures can work together.

Do I Need Planning Permission for Garden Screening?

It depends on what the screening actually is.

Planting may be treated differently from:

• Fencing

• Solid screens

• Walls

• Structures.

If a privacy screen effectively functions as a boundary enclosure, the relevant planning restrictions may apply.

Our Garden Screening Ideas page explores different approaches to screening.

Overlooked Gardens

Before automatically building the tallest possible screen, it is worth understanding the actual sightline.

Our Overlooked Garden page explores how targeted:

• Trees

• Screens

• Pergolas

• Planting

can sometimes provide privacy more effectively.

Screening an Overlooking Window

Where the problem comes from one particular window, our How to Screen an Overlooking Window page explores more targeted solutions.

Screening a Neighbour's Extension

If overlooking has arisen because a neighbouring property has been extended, see How to Screen a Neighbour's Extension.

Do Pergolas Need Planning Permission?

Pergolas and other garden structures need to be considered according to:

• Size

• Height

• Position

• Property type

• Location.

Some structures may fall within permitted development rights, while others may require planning permission.

Our Pergola Ideas page explores their wider design role.

If the pergola is principally being used for screening, see Pergolas for Privacy.

Do Garden Rooms Need Planning Permission?

Some garden buildings can be constructed under permitted development rights, subject to detailed limits and conditions.

The rules can depend on:

• Position

• Height

• Overall size

• Use

• Proximity to boundaries

• Designated land

• Listed status.

Do not assume that every garden room is automatically permitted development.

Does an Outdoor Kitchen Need Planning Permission?

A relatively simple outdoor kitchen installation may not itself require planning permission.

However, the wider project might include:

• Pergola

• Canopy

• Building

• Raised terrace

• Walls

• Significant services.

Those elements need to be considered separately.

Our Garden Design Around an Outdoor Kitchen page explores how an outdoor kitchen can be integrated into the wider garden.

Does a Fire Pit Need Planning Permission?

A simple freestanding fire pit would not normally trigger a planning application merely because it is a fire pit.

A substantial built feature might form part of a wider landscaping scheme involving:

• Walls

• Raised areas

• Structures.

Our Garden Design Around a Fire Pit page explores the wider design considerations.

Does a Hot Tub Need Planning Permission?

The hot tub itself may not necessarily require planning permission.

But associated works might.

These could include:

• Raised platforms

• Decking

• Enclosures

• Pergolas

• Garden buildings.

Our Garden Design Around a Hot Tub page explores how these elements can be considered together.

Do Swimming Pools Need Planning Permission?

Some outdoor domestic swimming pools may fall within permitted development rights, subject to the applicable conditions and limitations.

However, the situation becomes more complicated where the project includes:

• Pool buildings

• Enclosures

• Raised terraces

• Significant excavation

• Protected locations.

Our Garden Design Around a Swimming Pool page explores pool landscapes in more detail.

Do Water Features Need Planning Permission?

Many ordinary domestic garden water features will not require planning permission.

Examples might include:

• Small ponds

• Self-contained fountains

• Modest rills.

But larger structures or projects involving significant engineering works may need further consideration.

Our Garden Water Feature Ideas page explores different approaches.

Does Garden Lighting Need Planning Permission?

Ordinary domestic garden lighting will not normally require planning permission simply because lights are being installed.

However, lighting should still be designed responsibly.

Consider:

• Neighbours

• Glare

• Wildlife

• Direction

• Intensity.

Our Garden Lighting Ideas page explores how garden lighting can be used more subtly.

Can I Change the Levels in My Garden Without Planning Permission?

Minor landscaping changes are very different from major excavation or substantial raising of land.

Significant changes in level can affect:

• Neighbouring privacy

• Drainage

• Retaining structures

• Stability.

They may potentially constitute engineering operations requiring planning permission.

This is particularly relevant where a project creates a substantially raised:

• Terrace

• Patio

• Platform.

Why Garden Levels Matter

Levels are one of the most important parts of landscape design.

Our Garden Levelling page explores when changing levels may be appropriate.

The objective should not automatically be to make every garden flat.

Garden Groundworks

Significant changes to a garden can involve substantial excavation.

Our Garden Groundworks page explores the work that may happen below the finished landscape.

Garden Excavation

Our Garden Excavation and Preparation page explores how excavation can form part of a landscape construction project.

Does Garden Drainage Need Planning Permission?

Ordinary garden drainage work will not necessarily require planning permission.

However, you cannot simply redirect water wherever convenient.

Drainage design needs to consider:

• Where water originates

• Where it is collected

• Where it ultimately goes

• Whether neighbouring property could be affected.

Our Garden Drainage page explores the wider issue.

Drainage Around Extensions

Where landscaping follows building work, drainage should be coordinated carefully.

Our Drainage Around Patios and Extensions page explores the relationship between:

• Paving

• Thresholds

• Levels

• Surface water.

Do I Need Planning Permission to Remove a Tree?

This is an area where homeowners need to be particularly careful.

Even if the wider landscaping project does not need planning permission, a tree may have separate legal protection.

Before removing or carrying out significant work to an established tree, establish whether it is:

• Protected by a Tree Preservation Order

• Within a conservation area

• Subject to another planning restriction.

What Is a Tree Preservation Order?

A Tree Preservation Order — usually called a TPO — protects particular trees, groups of trees or woodlands.

Works to a tree protected by a TPO normally require consent from the local planning authority unless a specific exception applies.

Do not assume that because the tree is:

• In your garden

• On your land

you are automatically free to remove or substantially prune it.

Trees in Conservation Areas

Trees within conservation areas have additional protection.

For trees that are not already protected by a TPO, certain works generally require the local planning authority to be given a section 211 notice six weeks before the work is carried out, unless an exception applies.

This gives the authority an opportunity to consider whether the tree should be protected by a TPO.

What If the Tree Is Dead or Dangerous?

Specific exceptions and notification requirements can apply.

Because the rules depend on the circumstances, do not rely on a general assumption that a tree described as dead or dangerous can automatically be removed without any formal process.

Check with the relevant local planning authority or obtain appropriate arboricultural advice.

Do I Need Planning Permission to Plant Trees?

Ordinary tree planting within a domestic garden does not generally require planning permission simply because a tree is being planted.

However, careful design is still important.

Trees affect:

• Privacy

• Shade

• Neighbours

• Views

• Buildings

• Underground services.

Listed Buildings and Garden Landscaping

Listed properties require particular care.

The fact that proposed work is in the garden rather than inside the house does not automatically mean heritage controls are irrelevant.

Listed building consent is a separate regime from ordinary planning permission.

Consent is required for works to demolish, alter or extend a listed building where those works affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest.

Certain structures within the curtilage may also form part of the listed building for legal purposes, depending on their age and relationship to it.

Planning rules that would normally permit some garden development can also be more restrictive within the curtilage of a listed building.

Our Garden Design for Listed Buildings page explores these issues in more detail.

Does Every Landscaping Project at a Listed House Need Listed Building Consent?

No.

It would be misleading to say that every:

• Plant

• Lawn

• Patio

• Garden alteration

automatically requires listed building consent merely because the house is listed.

What matters is:

• What is being changed

• Whether protected fabric or structures are affected

• Whether the proposal affects the listed building's special character

• Whether separate planning permission is required.

Where there is uncertainty, seek advice from the local planning authority before starting work.

Listed Building Consent Is Not the Same as Planning Permission

A project can potentially involve:

• Planning permission

• Listed building consent

• Both

• Neither.

They answer different legal questions.

Do not assume that obtaining one automatically provides the other.

Conservation Areas and Garden Landscaping

Conservation areas can introduce additional restrictions.

These may affect:

• Trees

• Demolition

• Boundaries

• Permitted development rights.

If your property lies within a conservation area, establish the local requirements before significant landscape work begins.

Article 4 Directions

A local planning authority can use an Article 4 direction to remove certain permitted development rights.

This means work that might ordinarily be undertaken without a planning application may require one in a particular area or property.

This is another reason why generic internet advice cannot provide a definitive answer for every house.

Planning Conditions on New-Build Estates

Planning conditions attached to the original development can sometimes restrict what homeowners can subsequently do.

This can be relevant to:

• Boundaries

• Front gardens

• Parking

• Landscaping

• Tree planting.

Our New-Build Gardens page explores the wider challenges associated with landscaping newer properties.

Covenants Are Different From Planning Permission

A restrictive covenant is not the same as a planning restriction.

A project could potentially:

• Not require planning permission

but still be restricted by a covenant.

Conversely, obtaining planning permission does not automatically override private property restrictions.

Where covenants are relevant, appropriate legal advice may be required.

Boundary Ownership Is Different Again

Planning permission does not determine who owns a fence or boundary.

Before altering a boundary, establish:

• Ownership

• Responsibility

• Any relevant title restrictions.

Party Wall Considerations

Some construction close to neighbouring property may raise separate issues under party wall legislation.

This is a different legal regime from planning permission.

If substantial excavation or construction is proposed near neighbouring buildings or shared structures, appropriate professional advice may be necessary.

Do I Need Building Regulations for Landscaping?

Planning permission and Building Regulations are separate systems.

Some garden projects may involve elements where Building Regulations or other technical requirements become relevant.

Never assume:

“Planning permission isn't required, therefore there are no other regulations.”

Do I Need Planning Permission for an Accessible Garden?

Accessibility itself does not mean planning permission is required.

However, creating an accessible landscape may involve:

• Ramps

• Level changes

• Raised structures

• Walls.

Our Accessible Garden Design page explores the wider design approach.

Wheelchair Accessible Gardens

Our Wheelchair Accessible Garden Design page explores:

• Gradients

• Surfaces

• Paths

• Seating.

Where major structural alterations are required, planning and other regulatory requirements should be checked during design.

Do I Need Planning Permission for a New-Build Garden?

Ordinary landscaping at a new-build home does not automatically require planning permission.

But new-build properties are particularly worth checking because the original planning permission may contain:

• Conditions

• Approved landscaping

• Boundary restrictions.

Our Garden Design for New Build Homes page explores how these gardens can be developed.

Do I Need Planning Permission After a House Extension?

The garden should be considered alongside the approved extension drawings and conditions.

Our Garden Design After House Extension page explores how building work can change:

• Levels

• Access

• Drainage

• Views.

Do not assume that the planning permission for the house extension automatically authorises every subsequent landscape alteration.

Landscaping After Building Work

Our Landscaping After Building Work page explores the practical process of rebuilding a garden following construction.

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Front Garden?

Front gardens can involve additional planning considerations, particularly around:

• Boundaries

• Access

• Parking

• Hard surfacing.

Do not assume the same rules apply to every part of the property.

Does Planning Permission Affect Garden Design Cost?

Potentially.

Where planning work is required, the project may need:

• Additional drawings

• Supporting information

• Professional input

• Application fees.

Our How Much Does Garden Design Cost? page explores the wider factors affecting professional design fees.

Does Planning Permission Affect the Landscaping Budget?

It can.

The more important financial issue, however, is usually the construction required by the design itself.

Our How Much Does Landscaping Cost? page explores those costs.

For overall budget planning, see How to Set a Budget for Garden Landscaping.

Can Planning Permission Delay My Garden Project?

Potentially, yes.

If an application or another consent is required, that process needs to be incorporated into the programme.

This is another reason to identify planning issues early.

Our How Far in Advance Should I Book a Garden Designer? page explores the wider project timeline.

Should I Check Planning Before Booking the Landscaper?

Where there is a realistic possibility that permission is required, the issue should be investigated before irreversible construction begins.

Our How Far in Advance Should I Book a Landscaper? page explains why design, permissions, procurement and contractor availability should be considered as one programme.

Who Decides Whether Planning Permission Is Required?

Ultimately, the relevant local planning authority administers planning control in its area.

Where the position is uncertain, it is sensible to obtain confirmation rather than relying solely on:

• A contractor

• A neighbour

• Something previously built nearby

• Generic online advice.

The fact that somebody else has constructed something similar does not necessarily mean your proposal has the same planning status.

Can a Garden Designer Help With Planning Issues?

A garden designer can identify potential planning considerations during the design process and adapt a scheme accordingly.

Depending on the project, additional input may be required from:

• Planning consultant

• Architect

• Structural engineer

• Arboriculturalist

• Heritage specialist.

The objective should be to identify these requirements before they become expensive problems.

Should Planning Be Considered at the Garden Design Consultation?

Yes, where relevant.

During the initial discussion, tell the designer if you know that the property is:

• Listed

• Within a conservation area

• Subject to previous planning conditions

• Affected by protected trees.

Our What Happens at a Garden Design Consultation? page explains what else may be discussed.

What Information Should I Give My Garden Designer?

Useful information can include:

• Existing planning approvals

• House extension drawings

• Site plans

• Tree information

• Title plans

• Known restrictions.

Our What Information Does a Garden Designer Need? page provides a fuller guide.

Planning Permission and Large Garden Projects

The larger the project, the more likely it is to contain elements that deserve individual planning consideration.

Our Large Gardens page explores substantial landscape projects.

These might involve:

• Significant level changes

• Garden buildings

• Pools

• Extensive walls

• Major structures.

Planning Permission for Country Properties

Rural properties can have additional sensitivities.

Our Garden Design for Country Houses page explores how the landscape should relate to the house and wider setting.

Properties may also be affected by:

• Listed status

• Conservation areas

• Protected trees

• Designated landscapes.

Planning Permission for Period Properties

Older houses may have historic features within the garden that deserve careful consideration.

Our Garden Design for Period Properties page explores how contemporary requirements can be balanced with the character of the property.

Planning Permission for Modern Gardens

A contemporary landscape can include substantial structures even where the visual design appears simple.

Our Modern Gardens and Contemporary Gardens pages explore these approaches.

Features such as:

• Raised terraces

• Pergolas

• Screening

• Garden buildings

should each be checked against the relevant rules.

A Practical Planning Checklist Before Landscaping Your Garden

Before major landscape construction begins, ask:

1. Is the house listed?

If yes, investigate both planning and listed building considerations.

2. Is the property in a conservation area?

If yes, check whether additional controls affect the proposed work.

3. Are there protected trees?

Check for TPOs and conservation-area controls.

4. Are we changing garden levels significantly?

If yes, establish whether the work amounts to development requiring planning permission.

5. Are we creating raised decking or a platform?

Check the permitted development limits.

6. Are we changing fences, walls or gates?

Check their:

• Height

• Position

• Relationship with highways

• Property status.

7. Are we constructing a garden building or substantial structure?

Check the relevant permitted development rules.

8. Are previous planning conditions relevant?

Particularly check:

• New-build properties

• Recently extended houses.

9. Have permitted development rights been removed?

Check for:

• Planning conditions

• Article 4 directions.

10. Are there private legal restrictions?

Check:

• Covenants

• Boundaries

• Easements

where relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need planning permission to landscape my garden?

Usually not for ordinary planting and straightforward landscaping, but particular structures, major level changes, raised platforms, protected properties and protected trees can require planning or another consent.

Do I need planning permission to lay a patio?

A conventional ground-level patio will not normally require planning permission simply because paving is being laid. Raised terraces and significant level alterations require more careful consideration.

How high can decking be without planning permission?

Under the permitted development rules for houses in England, decking or other raised platforms generally need to be no more than 30cm above ground level, alongside other conditions and limitations.

How high can a garden fence be without planning permission?

Broadly, permitted development limits are normally:

• 1 metre next to a highway used by vehicles or its footpath

• 2 metres elsewhere.

Other restrictions and exceptions apply.

Do I need planning permission for a hedge?

Hedges as such do not normally require planning permission, although planning conditions, covenants and sightline requirements can sometimes restrict planting.

Can I plant trees without planning permission?

Ordinary tree planting in a domestic garden will not normally require planning permission.

Can I remove any tree in my own garden?

No.

A tree may be protected by a Tree Preservation Order or conservation-area controls.

What is a TPO?

A Tree Preservation Order protects specified trees, groups of trees or woodlands. Work to a protected tree normally requires local authority consent unless an exception applies.

Can I cut down a tree in a conservation area?

Do not assume you can. For qualifying trees not already protected by a TPO, the local planning authority generally needs six weeks' notice before certain works, unless an exception applies.

Do I need planning permission for a pergola?

It depends on the structure's:

• Height

• Position

• Design

• Property circumstances.

Some may fall within permitted development rights.

Do I need planning permission for a hot tub?

The hot tub itself may not require permission, but associated decking, structures or enclosures may need separate consideration.

Do I need planning permission for an outdoor kitchen?

A simple installation may not, but structures, canopies, buildings or raised terraces associated with it may.

Do I need planning permission for garden lighting?

Ordinary domestic garden lighting will not normally require planning permission, although it should be designed to minimise inappropriate glare and disturbance.

Can I raise the level of my garden?

Minor alterations and substantial raising of land are not the same thing. Significant level changes can require planning consideration and may affect privacy, drainage and neighbouring property.

Do retaining walls need planning permission?

Not necessarily, but substantial retaining associated with significant changes in ground level can require further planning and structural consideration.

Do listed buildings have different rules?

Yes.

Listed building consent and planning permission are separate regimes, and permitted development rights can be more restricted. See Garden Design for Listed Buildings.

Do conservation areas have different rules?

Potentially. Additional controls can affect trees, demolition and permitted development.

Does planning permission override a restrictive covenant?

No. Planning permission and private legal restrictions are separate matters.

Can my neighbour's landscaping affect my planning application?

Potential impacts such as:

• Privacy

• Levels

• Visual effect

may be relevant depending on the proposal.

Should I apply for planning permission before getting a landscaping quote?

If permission is clearly required, the design should normally be sufficiently developed to establish what is being applied for before construction is finalised.

Can Kirman Design advise whether my project may need planning permission?

Potential planning constraints can be identified as part of the garden design process. Where formal planning, legal, structural, arboricultural or heritage advice is required, the appropriate specialist or local planning authority may also need to be involved.

Most Gardens Do Not Need Planning Permission — But Some Landscape Decisions Do

The important distinction is between gardening and development.

Planting:

• Trees

• Shrubs

• Perennials

• Lawns

will generally raise very different planning issues from constructing:

• Raised terraces

• High boundary structures

• Large garden buildings

• Major retaining walls

• Substantial changes in ground level.

The status of the property matters too.

A straightforward project at one house could require additional consent at another because it is:

• Listed

• In a conservation area

• Subject to planning conditions

• Affected by an Article 4 direction

• Home to protected trees.

Planning should therefore be treated as another site constraint to understand during the design process.

The objective is not to make garden design unnecessarily complicated.

It is to establish the rules before money is spent constructing something that should have been checked first.

If you are considering a significant garden transformation in Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, the Ribble Valley or elsewhere across North West England, Kirman Design can consider the potential planning constraints alongside the design, levels, drainage, planting and landscape construction requirements from the beginning of the project.