UK garden planning permission rules you didn't know you needed

Here at Lazy Susan, we’ve helped countless UK homeowners transform their outdoor spaces with our beautifully designed high-quality patio furniture — creating stylish, practical gardens they can enjoy all year round.

One issue we see all too often is homeowners starting a landscaping project without realising that planning permission might be required.

While many garden improvements fall under permitted development rights, there are some surprising rules and exceptions that can quickly turn a simple project into an expensive headache if overlooked.

Here at the Lazy Magazine, our team is keen to share the benefit of our experience and help you avoid costly mistakes — so here’s what you need to know before laying a patio, building a shed, or installing a new garden pod.

1. Do building regulations and planning permission apply to garden sheds and garden buildings?

It’s a common assumption: garden sheds, summerhouses, and garden offices are small, personal additions to your garden — so surely you don’t need planning permission for them, right?

In many cases, that's true. These types of structures usually fall under permitted development rights, which means you can build them without applying for planning consent.

However, there are some key exceptions that catch many homeowners out. Planning permission may be required if your structure exceeds certain size or location thresholds.

For instance, if the building is more than 2.5 metres high and is situated within 2 metres of your boundary, you could be in breach of regulations. Height and proximity are major considerations, especially in smaller gardens.

Another rule that often surprises people is that placing an outbuilding in front of your house, such as in the front garden, typically requires permission. It’s all about visibility from the street and preserving the character of your neighbourhood.

And finally, if you live in a listed building or a designated area like a National Park, conservation area, or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), planning rules become far more restrictive. In these cases, even relatively small additions might require formal approval to protect the area's character and heritage.

Lazy Magazine Tip: You’ll also need to watch out if the building takes up more than 50% of the total garden area. That includes all outbuildings combined — so if you already have a greenhouse or a large shed, a new summerhouse could tip you over the limit.

2. Could your garden office still require planning consent?

Garden offices have become one of the most popular garden additions in recent years — and for good reason. They offer a quiet, dedicated space to work from home without taking over the spare bedroom or dining table.

In most cases, garden offices are considered permitted development, meaning you won’t need planning permission as long as you stick to the size and placement rules outlined for outbuildings.

However, there are a few important exceptions where planning permission may still apply, even if the structure itself meets basic height and boundary requirements.

For example, if you’re using the space to run a business that involves regular visitors or deliveries, the local planning authority may classify it as a commercial use. This could require a formal application, especially if the increased foot traffic or activity affects neighbours.

You’ll also need planning permission if the garden office includes sleeping accommodation. Even occasional overnight stays can reclassify the building as a separate dwelling, which falls under much stricter planning regulations.

The same applies if you're considering adding a bathroom or small kitchenette — anything involving plumbing or drainage typically triggers additional scrutiny and may require Building Regulations approval alongside planning consent.

We’ve seen how a well-designed garden office can transform outdoor living. Just be sure to get the permissions right before you start building — it’ll save you stress later and ensure everything runs smoothly!

Lazy Magazine Tip: If you’re using your garden office purely for daytime working or creative hobbies, you’re probably in the clear. But the moment you add a bed or bathroom, it's wise to check with your local planning department to avoid any legal complications down the line. We recently took a more detailed look at garden offices in our The rise of outdoor workspaces article.

3. Can the wrong patio materials lead to planning issues?

Laying a new patio might seem like one of the simpler garden improvements — but even here, there are planning rules that can catch you out. While many homeowners assume patios fall well within permitted development rights, the materials you choose and the location of your patio can make a big difference.

In particular, planning permission may be required if you're paving more than 5 square metres of your front garden with non-permeable materials such as porcelain pavers, concrete, standard paving slabs, or block paving. This rule was introduced to address a growing issue in many UK towns and cities: surface water runoff. As more front gardens are paved over, water that once soaked into the ground now floods drains — and in some cases, causes localised flooding.

Even in back gardens, if your new patio significantly alters how water drains from your property, you might find that planning controls kick in, especially in newer housing estates with strict landscaping conditions.

And if your home is listed, or lies within the grounds of a listed building, you’ll likely need permission before making any permanent changes to hard landscaping. This includes patios, terraces, and even garden steps, as these can impact the historical setting of the property.

At Lazy Susan, we design our patio furniture to pair beautifully with all kinds of patio surfaces — just make sure the base beneath your outdoor dining set is as well-considered as the furniture that sits on top of it.

Lazy Magazine Tip: To stay on the right side of the rules — and to protect your garden from puddles and drainage problems — opt for permeable materials. Gravel, resin-bound stone, and specially designed permeable pavers allow rainwater to naturally soak into the soil below. They look great, perform well, and help you stay compliant with regulations. If you need any further info we looked at this subject in greater detail in our Do you need planning permission for a new patio? article

4. Could your raised off-ground-level wooden decking trigger planning rules?

Decking is a popular and practical way to add structure and style to your garden, offering the perfect base for outdoor dining or relaxation. But while it might feel like a simple upgrade, height matters more than many homeowners realise when it comes to planning permission.

According to UK planning rules, decking must be no more than 30cm (approximately one foot) above ground level to fall under permitted development. Anything higher — especially if it includes raised platforms, steps, or railings — could require full planning approval, particularly in built-up areas.

Another common issue is proximity to neighbours. Elevated decking can raise privacy concerns, especially if it gives you a direct view into someone else’s garden or windows. This can lead to complaints and even enforcement action if planning guidelines aren’t followed.

Lazy Magazine Tip: Even if your decking meets the height requirements, it’s smart to incorporate screening, planters, or privacy-friendly borders — not just to stay neighbourly, but to add a lush, finished look to your garden design.

5. How tall can your garden walls and fence be without breaking the rules?

It might come as a surprise, but even something as simple as a garden fence can fall under planning rules. Whether you’re upgrading a boundary wall, replacing a fence panel, or building something from scratch, it’s important to understand the limits before you get started.

In most cases, you’ll need planning permission if the structure is:

• Over 1 metre tall and located next to a public highway (including footpaths)

• Over 2 metres tall elsewhere in the garden, such as between back gardens

• Being built or replaced along a boundary shared with a listed building — in which case extra restrictions may apply

Even if you’re not adding height, changes like painting or staining a shared fence could cause issues. If you don’t legally own the boundary, you’ll usually need to get your neighbour’s consent before making any cosmetic alterations.

We know that garden design isn’t just about what’s inside your space — it’s also about how you frame it. Getting the boundaries right, both visually and legally, is key to a garden that looks good and keeps the peace.

Lazy Magazine Tip: Always double-check who owns which side of the fence and consult your title deeds before making changes. A quick conversation with your neighbour upfront can prevent disputes later on. We looked at this in detail in our What is the best way to tackle a garden fence or boundary dispute? article.

6. Trees and landscaping: Check for further information before you chop

Thinking of trimming or removing a tree in your garden? Before you pick up the pruning shears or call in the professionals, it’s essential to check whether the tree is protected.

If your tree is subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or your property is located in a World Heritage site or conservation area, even basic maintenance like pruning or lopping could legally require written permission from your local council.

Even if a garden building was constructed under permitted development rights, changing its use to a holiday let or short-term rental can still require planning permission. Ignoring these rules can have serious consequences—not just legally, but also in terms of public sentiment and heritage.

A stark reminder of how fiercely protected our shared spaces and landscapes can be was the devastating case at Sycamore Gap in Northumberland, where the felling of a single iconic tree sparked national outrage and a criminal investigation. While different, it certainly underscores how cherished the UK’s landscapes and built environments are — and why careful, lawful development matters.

What many homeowners don’t realise is that even privately owned trees can be covered by these regulations too. Ignoring them can lead to serious consequences, including fines or even legal action — regardless of whether you knew the tree was protected or not.

Did you know? In the UK, it’s a criminal offence to cut down or damage a protected tree without consent. Councils have fined homeowners thousands of pounds for unauthorised work — even when the trees were on their own land.

Lazy Magazine Tip: Always check with your local planning authority before carrying out any major landscaping or tree work. It’s quick to do, and it could save you a costly mistake. Many councils in the UK now have a planning portal where you can check local regulations and seek planning permission and advice before you start cutting.

Our final thoughts: Better to be safe than sorry…

At Lazy Susan, we’re passionate about helping our customers turn outdoor dreams into reality.

Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand just how transformative a well-designed garden can be — whether it’s a classically styled patio dining area, a cosy garden office, or a space to simply sit back and unwind. But we’ve also seen too many great ideas delayed or derailed by planning permission oversights.

The truth is, most garden projects in the UK won’t need formal planning consent, but there are exceptions, and they can be surprisingly easy to miss. From fence heights and patio drainage to tree preservation orders and decking limits, the rules can vary depending on your location and layout.

That’s why we always recommend checking with your local planning authority before you break ground. A quick phone call or an online search can save you time, money, and a lot of stress down the line. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

If you have our patio furniture in your garden, we’d love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload It Here.