Gardens, trees and boundaries
Caravan in the garden
A caravan was put in a garden of a residential property. It was used by the teenage son as a place to sit with his friends and listen to music.
Planning permission was not required because the caravan was not a building and was being used for purposes incidental to the main dwelling.
Garden fencing
A report was made about a fence erected on the boundary of the garden between two properties. The complainant's garden was one metre lower than the garden where the fence was erected. The fence measures two metres in height from the land on which it was built. Because the complainant's garden is one metre lower, the top of the fence was three metres in height when measured by the complainant.
Fence height is measured from the ground level on which the fence has been built. The conclusion was the fence was permitted development. Planning permission was not required.
A fence was erected on the boundary of the garden between two adjoining properties. A fence up to two metres in height can be erected without the need for planning permission. The fence measured 2.2 metres in height.
The enforcement team decided the excess height of 0.2 metres was unlikely to cause sufficient harm. The Council decided it was not expedient to pursue enforcement action. No enforcement action was taken.
Structures in a garden
In most cases, garden buildings or structures can be built without planning permission. There are size restrictions and conditions. These rules apply if the property is a single-dwelling house, but not flats.
There are restrictions and limitations. We have explained the main rules below. For more comprehensive information please visit the Planning Portal.
Buildings or structures are not permitted in front of the principal elevation of the property.
All structures are restricted to one storey in height and the highest part of the eaves may not exceed 2.5m. Where the building or structure is within two metres of a boundary the total height may not exceed 2.5m.
Works to provide verandas, balconies or raised platforms require planning permission.
Structures or walls being built partly on your land
If your neighbour is carrying out building works that are on your land, you should seek legal advice from a solicitor or the Citizens Advice Bureau. Land disputes are a civil matter and Planning Enforcement cannot intervene.
We can investigate if the works require planning permission. However, land ownership is not a factor when determining whether permission can be granted.
Tree and hedge work
No work can be carried out without prior planning consent if the tree is protected or is within a conservation area. A tree is protected if it is subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
The landowner can cut down or carry out work to any unprotected tree on private land that is not within a conversation area. Planning consent is not required.
You can use our online mapping service to see if a tree or woodland is protected or is within a conservation area.
View the protected trees interactive map
Walls or fences on the highway boundary
You can erect a 'means of enclosure' up to one metre in height where it is next to a highway, or up to two metres high on any other boundary. An enclosure means a structure such as a gate, wall or fence. These rules do not apply to a Listed Building.
If an existing means of enclosure is altered or repaired, it can be extended to its former height. For more detailed or specific advice please visit the Planning Portal.
Ownership of land and boundaries is a civil matter. The planning enforcement team cannot help with ownership disputes.
Work to party walls
Works to party walls are a civil matter controlled by the Party Wall Etc. Act 1996. The Planning Enforcement team has no power to intervene. You should contact a party wall surveyor for advice. If you are concerned about the safety of the work, the Building Control team may be able to give you advice.
Householder issues
Extensions or conservatories
A single-storey extension or conservatory can be built without planning permission. There are restrictions and limitations. These rules apply if the property is a single-dwelling house, but not flats.
For more details on the restrictions and conditions please visit the Planning Portal.
Roof extensions and dormer windows
A roof extension does not need planning permission within certain size restrictions and conditions. These rules apply if the property is a single-dwelling house, but not flats.
If the property is in a Conservation Area or if the roof area that fronts a highway is the one being developed, planning consent is needed. There are more restrictions and limitations. We have explained the main rules below. For more comprehensive information please visit the Planning Portal.
Planning permission is not needed if the total volume of the resulting roof space does not exceed:
- the original roof space by 40 cubic metres, in the case of a terraced house,
- the original roof space by 50 cubic metres in any other case,
- the highest part of the existing roof.
Internal loft conversions that do not extend beyond the existing roof may not require planning permission.
Works to provide verandas, balconies or raised platforms require planning permission.
Running a business from home
Your neighbour does not necessarily need planning permission to run a business from their home. Each case is assessed on a case-by-case basis. The main test is whether the overall character of the dwelling has changed because of the business activities.
Planning permission is not needed if the house is still mainly being used as a private residence.
Satellite dishes
In most cases, satellite dishes can be erected on a building without planning permission.
For properties within a Conservation Area, there are more restrictions. For more comprehensive details please visit the Planning Portal.
