If there’s one garden and patio trend the Lazy Magazine team feel confident predicting for 2026, it’s that UK homeowners will continue to invest heavily in their outdoor spaces. And if 2025 is anything to go by, the coming year is already shaping up to be the strongest yet for garden makeovers and outdoor upgrades...
According to a recent article in National World, industry reports estimate the UK outdoor living market will surpass £6.5 billion in 2025. The article goes on to say:
"Recent retail data shows a 25% surge in garden centre sales, highlighting a growing trend among UK homeowners to enhance their outdoor spaces. In fact, 59% of consumers plan to purchase new outdoor furniture or accessories this year."
This surge reflects a wider movement that we've seen first-hand here at Lazy Susan. According to Houzz's 12 Surprising Facts About UK Gardens and What We Do in Them, a survey they conducted established that:
"We’re focusing on the big stuff. The majority of people working on their outdoor space are tackling meaty projects. An impressive 90% were taking on structural elements, 82% were focusing on outdoor systems and equipment, while another 80% were getting to grips with their beds and borders."
The Houzz team goes on to say that we are also reaping the benefits of better outdoor spaces:
"Garden makeovers are having a significant impact on the UK’s outdoor living, with 81% of people saying they spend more time outside as a result of garden upgrades. More than half of those surveyed spend five or more hours a week in their gardens."
More than ever, we’re seeing our gardens and patios as genuine extensions of our homes — places to relax, entertain and spend quality time with friends and family. And with colder (and very wet at the mo) weather settling in and the off-season in full swing, even if we aren’t using these spaces as much right now, it’s actually the perfect moment to plan our next garden or patio upgrade.
Whether you’re eyeing a new patio, a garden building, or simply a refreshed layout with some new patio furniture from our range, careful planning now means you’ll be ready for summer. And that’s where understanding UK planning permission, permitted development rules and design constraints becomes key — so you don’t get caught out when the diggers arrive.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about garden and patio planning permission, help you spot when you do need permission (or consent), and give practical tips — especially if you’re styling with beautiful, durable powder-coated cast aluminium furniture from our collection.
1. Understanding the Basics: What Counts as “Development”
What is a “development”?
Under UK law, as soon as you carry out work that meets the statutory definition of “development,” you may need planning permission.
This can include building work such as structural alterations or putting up a new garden building. For example, anything larger, taller, or closer than 2 m to a boundary — and over 2.5 m high — will usually require permission.
That said, not all “development” works need a planning application. Some types of work fall under national “permitted development rights,” which allow you to go ahead without formally applying for permission.
If you’re unsure whether your plans count as development or whether permitted development rules cover what you want to do, you can apply to your local planning authority for a “certificate of lawful development.”
2. When a Patio or Hardstanding Needs (or Doesn’t Need) Permission
Rear or Side Garden — Usually No Permission Needed
For most ground-level patios in a back or side garden, you won’t usually need planning permission. They’re covered by the UK’s permitted development rules, so in most cases you’re free to lay paving slabs or other hard-surface materials without having to apply first.
That said, there are caveats:
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If the patio requires significant terracing or embanking (i.e., changing ground levels), you may need permission.
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If your home is a listed building, you’ll need listed building consent for any significant works — even external ones like patios.
Front Garden or Hardstanding for a Driveway — Different Rules Apply
Hard-surfacing a front garden often triggers extra scrutiny. The rules for front gardens and driveways differ, particularly if you need to create a new access (often involving a dropped kerb) — in which case you may need permission from both your local planning authority and the highways authority.
Even if no dropped kerb is needed, some councils may apply stricter rules for hard surfaces in front gardens, so check with your local council before proceeding.
As an example, take a look at Hammersmith & Fulham Council's Guide to Renovating your Home or the Planning Portal for more general Planning Permission for Patios & Driveways.
Raised Patios, Embanking or Landscaping Work
If you’re building a raised platform — for instance, a patio that sits above the original ground level — or doing extensive earthworks or landscaping, then permitted development may no longer apply.
Local authorities often treat such changes as “development,” which means you’ll likely need to submit a planning application.
3. Garden Buildings, Sheds & Outbuildings: What’s Permitted
Planning permission rules differ when you’re adding structures rather than just surfacing.
Simple garden buildings — like sheds, greenhouses and summerhouses — are usually fine to put up under permitted development. As long as they stay within the size limits (typically no taller than 4 metres) and don’t cover more than half of the land around your original house, you generally won’t need planning permission.
There are exceptions, though. If your home is listed, in a conservation area, on designated land, or inside a national park, extra rules may apply, so it’s always worth double-checking before you start.
Because of these variations, and because local councils can have their own additional restrictions, many homeowners find it helpful to read our related post: Do you need planning permission for a garden building?
4. Special Considerations: When Permitted Development Doesn’t Apply
Even with permitted development rights, there are conditions and exceptions — especially if your property is in a sensitive location or the project involves more than simple surfacing or low-level works.
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Situation |
What you need to check / whether permission may be required |
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Property is a listed building or is in/near a World Heritage Site |
Even internal or external works may need consent. Permitted development rights may be lost. |
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Property lies within a conservation area, national park, or designated land/area of outstanding natural beauty |
Some or all permitted development rights may be restricted. Consult your local council. |
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The proposal involves raising ground levels, terracing, retaining walls, embanking, raised patios, or significant hard landscaping |
These may require planning permission even if purely domestic. |
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Hard-surfacing in front garden, or creation of driveway / new access point / dropped kerb |
Often requires additional consent; may involve the local highway authority, too. |
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New structures or outbuildings exceed size or height thresholds, or cover too much of the garden land around the original house |
Planning permission or building regulations may apply - The HOA is a great resource if unsure. |
5. The Role of Local Council & Designated Land in Your Plans
Local Planning Authority — Your First Port of Call
If you’re not sure whether you need planning permission, it’s always best to check with your local planning authority. Rules can vary depending on where you live and whether your home sits in a conservation area, national park or another protected zone.
In our experience, most local councils also offer pre-application advice. For a small fee, you can talk through your plans with a planning officer before you start. It’s not an official decision, but it can highlight any potential issues early on — especially useful if you’re raising the ground level, putting up a structure, or working in a sensitive area.
Please note: Pre-application advice does not guarantee eventual proper approval. Formal consent may still be required.
Heritage & Protected Land — Extra Restrictions
If your property sits in a conservation area, national park, area of outstanding natural beauty, or is a listed building, standard permitted development rights may not apply. In those cases:
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You may need full planning permission even for relatively modest works.
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For listed buildings, you may also need listed building consent.
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There may be additional restrictions — for example, on maximum height, maximum area covered, or type of materials.
Lazy Magazine Tip: Always check with the local planning authority and any relevant heritage or park authorities before starting work.
6. Spotlight: Paving, Patio Materials & Hard Landscaping — What to Consider
When installing a new patio, or replacing an existing one, it’s not just about planning permission — the choice of materials and installation method matters too.
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Using paving slabs or other hard surfacing materials at ground level in the rear/side garden — especially under permitted development rules — is usually fine.
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If installing a raised patio or decking, check the height carefully. Local rules may treat “raised platforms” differently, and they may trigger a requirement for a planning application.
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If your hardstanding affects drainage (e.g. rainwater runs off onto the public highway), this may raise separate issues — some councils or highway authorities may require consent.
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Always check permeability/soakaway/drainage regulations if your new patio replaces grass or soil, especially in urban areas or where surface-water drainage is regulated.
7. What Happens If You Get It Wrong?
Failing to obtain required consents — whether that’s planning permission, listed building consent or dropped-kerb/highway consent — can lead to enforcement action by your council. That might mean:
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Orders to remove or alter the works.
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Fines or legal action (in serious cases).
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Potential delays or added costs if you have to retrofit drainage, adjust height, or re-pave.
In our experience, it is etter to check first than assume “it’ll be OK”!
8. How This Relates to Other Garden Projects — Links to Deeper Guides
Because garden and landscaping projects often extend beyond a simple patio, it helps to think of planning permission holistically.
Here are some related topics you might want to explore:
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Do you need planning permission for a new patio?
A deeper dive into when permission is required (or not) for different kinds of patios. -
Do you need planning permission for a garden building?
Guidance for sheds, summerhouses, greenhouses, and other outbuildings. -
UK garden planning permission rules you didn’t know you needed
Common pitfalls and lesser-known restrictions. -
Greenhouses & garden sheds: do you need planning permission?
Specific advice for enclosed or semi-enclosed garden structures. -
Tackle a fence or boundary dispute?
Because patios often sit alongside fences or walls, this is useful when considering boundary heights or neighbour relationships.
Each of these guides complements this overview — together they form a comprehensive resource to help you plan, design and build outdoor spaces with confidence.
9. Practical Planning Tips: How to Smoothly Navigate the Process
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Start with the rear or side garden — it’s usually the simplest place for a patio.
These areas tend to fall under permitted development and come with fewer restrictions, so you’re less likely to need planning permission. -
Avoid raising ground levels or building a raised patio without checking first.
If your project involves embankments, terracing or retaining walls, that’s when planning permission can come into play. -
If you’re in a conservation area, national park or heritage zone, always check with your local council.
Permitted development rights can be limited or removed entirely, meaning even small changes may need consent. -
When in doubt, consider applying for a Certificate of Lawful Development or getting pre-application advice.
A bit of early clarity can save you time, stress and unexpected costs later on. -
Think beyond the paving: plan for drainage, permeability, soakaways and run-off.
Hard landscaping can affect how water moves through your garden, especially if you’re replacing grass or soil. -
Coordinate your patio with other garden projects.
If you’re adding a patio, plus a shed, fences and new patio furniture, then take a step back and look at the overall picture — and make sure none of it accidentally breaches permitted development limits.
10. FAQs — Quick Answers to Common Questions
Do I always need planning permission for a new patio?
No — if the patio is at ground level in the rear or side garden, and does not involve terracing or embanking, it is usually covered by permitted development rights.
What if my new patio needs a dropped kerb or driveway access?
Then you may need permission from both the local planning authority and the highways authority. Front-garden hardstanding is often more tightly controlled.
Does having a listed building change the rules?
Yes — if your property is listed, you’ll typically need listed building consent for external works such as patios, even if they would normally be permitted.
What about garden buildings like sheds or summerhouses?
Many of these are covered by permitted development, provided they stay within size/height limits and don’t cover more than half the land around the original house — but restrictions apply if you’re in a sensitive area (heritage, conservation, etc.).
What if I re-pave an existing patio or replace old slabs with new material?
If you are replacing an existing hard surface with a new one (and not doing major landscaping or level changes), this is usually fine under permitted development. Still, if you are in a sensitive area (e.g. conservation zone), check first.
Conclusion — Plan Smart, Build Beautiful, and Enjoy with Lazy Susan Furniture
UK homeowners are investing more than ever in their outdoor spaces — patios, gardens, and outdoor dining areas are no longer an afterthought, but central to how we live, relax and entertain.
With the trend firmly toward alfresco living and outdoor rooms, it pays to plan ahead to make the most of the UK summer.
Understanding when you need planning permission, when you’re safe under permitted development, and when to check with your local planning authority can save you headaches, legal issues, or costly reworks.
Once you’ve got your planning and permissions sorted, you’re free to transform your garden into a stylish, durable living space.
And this is where patio furniture becomes key — our powder-coated cast aluminium patio, dining, bistro and coffee tables offer the perfect blend of durability, weather-resistance and timeless design.
They’re low maintenance, rust-proof, and perfect for the unpredictable British climate — invest now in winter, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a full season of use by summer, whether on a classic stone-slab patio, a modern hard-landscaped terrace, or a cosy garden courtyard.
So — plan carefully, consult the rules where needed, and when you’re ready to furnish your new outdoor space, take a look at our collection. With the right groundwork and a timeless furniture foundation, you’ll have an outdoor space you can enjoy all year round.
And once your space is ready, we’d love to see how you bring it to life. Share your patio furniture moments with us on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @LazySusanFurniture for our Do Some Good campaign. Your creativity doesn’t just inspire others — it helps us continue supporting great causes each year.
