Planning permission is one of them things that people like to forget and put to the side believing they don't need it, and its only something builders need to worry about. But there are some cases where planning permission is required, Even if it is just carrying out garden work.
We explain some of the main jobs that could need planning permission.
Whose responsibility is it to acquire planning permission?
It is the property / landowners responsibility to acquire planning permission for any work being carried out that requires it.
It is illegal not to obtain planning permission for a job that requires it and the consequences can be serious, ranging from fines to having to take down / revert all the work carried out.
Front Garden Driveways
If you're paving a front garden, drainage is the issue. Standard concrete and block paving stop rainwater soaking into the ground. Enough of that across a street and it contributes to flooding, which is why the rules exist.
The key rule: any new driveway over 5 square metres that drains onto the road or public drainage system either needs planning permission, or must use a permeable surface.
Surface type | Counts as permeable? | Planning needed? |
|---|---|---|
Permeable block paving | Yes | No |
Gravel | Yes | No |
Standard block paving | No | Yes (over 5m²) |
Concrete | No | Yes (over 5m²) |
Tarmac | No | Yes (over 5m²) |
Most contractors will build permeable as standard for front drives. It avoids council issues and handles clay soil better for drainage anyway.
Garden Fencing
The 2 metre rule is what catches people out. Here's how it works:
Location | Max height without permission |
|---|---|
Back garden fence | 2 metres |
Front garden fence next to a road | 1 metre |
Adjacent to a highway | 1 metre |
A 7ft fence is 2.13 metres, just over the limit. That means a planning application, not just a straight job. Neighbours can and do complain about fence height, and councils issue enforcement notices. Better to check before the posts go in.
Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings
If your property is listed or sits in a conservation area, permitted development rights are often reduced or removed. The same job that's straightforward on a standard street might need full permission on a heritage property.
You can quickly check with Leicester City Council, Blaby District Council or Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to see if you need planning permission
Quick Reference: What Usually Needs Permission
Job | Permission usually needed? |
|---|---|
Back garden patio | No |
New lawn or planting | No |
Permeable front driveway | No |
Impermeable front driveway over 5m² | Yes |
Back fence up to 2m | No |
Back fence over 2m | Yes |
Front fence up to 1m | No |
Front fence over 1m (near road) | Yes |
Work on listed building or in conservation area | Check first |
Still not certain if you need planning permission?
Commonly your landscaper will flag these things when quoting. In our case if something looks like it could cause an issue, we'd rather mention it before work starts and contact the necessary parties than leave it tell the jobs started.
If you need front driveway, garden design or fencing contact us for a free quote today.
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