These common garden improvements could result in 'hefty fines' of up to £20K

14 May 2024 , 16:37

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Revamping your garden could be an expensive hobby if your not careful (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

As summer approaches those of lucky enough to own outdoor spaces are looking forward to the prospect of basking in the sunshine.

Many people up and down the country may also use this time to make improvements to their gardens, whether this be through laying a new patio, planting things to grow or putting up a brand new fence.

But, what many people might not know is that there is actually a lot of red tape in green spaces, and there are certain rules that need to be followed when making seemingly simple changes.

To help homeowners avoid “hefty fines”, the home insurance team at Compare the Market has shared some of the lesser-known garden improvements that could lead to being fined if planning permission isn't secured. In some cases fines can reach up to £20,000!

Although councils may allow people to seek planning permission retrospectively if they failed to do so in the first instance, if they do not like the changes they may force to reverse it under Section 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. If they refuse to do so then this can lead to an unlimited fine.

But what are some of the things to look out for?

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Decking

Make sure to seek planning permission if you want a big decking (Getty)

Chilling on the decking with a nice cuppa or cocktail is such a luxury, but did you know you could get in trouble if your decking is too high?

If a new deck is going to be more than 30cm above the ground, homeowners need to get planning permission.

Gardeners also need to get planning permission if the decking covers more than 50 percent of the garden.

Gate ornaments

Again, with gates size matters. If they are higher than two metres you need to seek planning permission for any ornaments you would like to add. Additionally, if you live near a highway used by vehicles there is the added regulation of the fact that your gates can only be under a metre high.

Paving front garden

If you are laying an impermeable driveway in your front garden, such as concrete of tarmac, then you will need to get planning permission. That is, if it doesn't provide anywhere for water to drain away naturally, and is larger than five square metres in size.

Anna McEntee, from the home insurance team at Compare the Market, explained, “Before you start any kind of work on your home, no matter how small, you should check whether you need planning permission or building regulations approval.

“You can find more information on Government websites, and you can also contact your local planning authority.”

Lydia Veljanovski