Do I Need Planning Permission for Decking?

Most garden decking in England does not need planning permission if it is low level, behind the house, and does not create a raised platform over 0.3 metres. Decking attached to extensions or close to boundaries may need extra checks. Listed buildings and conservation areas often have restricted permitted development rights.

• Decking is in the rear garden and not forward of the principal elevation
• Platform is not raised more than 0.3 metres above ground level
• Combined with other structures, less than half the curtilage is covered by buildings and additions
• Property is a house with standard permitted development rights

• Raised decking over 0.3 metres — treated as a veranda, balcony or raised platform
• Decking in front of the house facing a highway
• Property is a flat, maisonette or listed building
• Permitted development rights removed by Article 4 direction or planning condition

If decking is added to a new extension, veranda and balcony rules apply to the extension as a whole. A raised deck attached to a rear extension may affect whether the extension itself remains permitted development.

Raised decking may need building regulations approval for structural safety, especially if it is more than 0.6 metres above ground level or attached to the house. Planning permission and building regulations are assessed separately.

Planning rules change and can vary by location. Height, position, garden size and property type all affect the answer. Confirm with your local planning authority, or use our free checker for a clear verdict on your decking project.