Before you go about making improvements to your garden, you should make sure you’re not breaking any of there little-known laws – as you could be risking a hefty fine
With the weather finally heating up, many of us will be spending more time in our gardens, but before you do there are some things you need to know.
With a mini heatwave gracing several places in the UK this weekend, and the summer months ahead, you’ll no doubt be desperate to spend some much-needed time outdoors in the sunshine. Being in your garden might sound like quite an innocent past-time, but if you don’t pay attention you could be unknowingly breaking some rules which could land you a hefty fine.
Sean Head of Commercial Operations at Eurocelll, has broken down four ways you might unknowingly be breaking the law in your own garden, and it’s all down to home improvements, Bristol Live reports.
When it comes to improving your garden, it’s important to understand the rules around Permitted Development (PD), which is part of UK planning law. This allows Brits to carry out certain design work in their homes without obtaining planning permission – but there are several stringent requirements.
For example, factors like listed-building status, conservation ares, impact on environment or locations within an Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) can override PD, so it’s important to be sure. But below you can find four laws you might unknowingly be breaking.
Heigh restrictions with decking
You might want to install decking in your garden to make it look more appealing, but there are strict rules you have to follow. Currently, any decking that rises 30cm or more off the ground has to be subject to planning permission.
This is also the case if you want to install a decking which covers 50% or more of your total outdoor space. Failure to acquire the proper planning permission can result in fines beginning at £50 a day, but the severity can increase depending on whether or not you live in a protected area.
Raising or lowering your garden
Some gardeners might consider raising or lowering their garden, for example to allow more sunlight or space. However, before you do anything like this, you need to check with your local planning authority.
They need to check whether doing this will increase the risk of flooring, impact local ecology, drainage or pipework.
Building a shed or garden room
Building a shed or garden room is a great way to make use of the extra outdoor space – and can also add value to your home. Most of the time (around 90% of cases), you don’t need planning permission for prefabricated garden rooms.
That’s because they’ve been designed to already meet building regulations, including the height of the room, as stated by PP. If the building is less than 2.4m high, and is at lest one meter away from other boundaries, it’s likely you won’t need planning permission.
However there are exceptions, such as adding a garden room in front of the principal front elevation of a home, building in a conservation area or onto a listed building.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to check whether you need planning permission, as getting it retrospectively can be expensive and tricky, as you may be required to alter the build.
Letting your hedges grow too high
Trimming your hedges it a love it or hate it garden chore, but did you know you are required to keep it trimmed? It’s not just an annoyance to your neighbour, but it’s actually included in the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.
According to part 8, it’s the “homeowner’s responsibility to keep their hedges maintained. If a neighbour has an issue then they can complain to the local authority.” If the local authority finds the complainant’s property has been negatively impacted, you risk a formal notice and fine of up to £1,000.
For more complete guidance on when you do and don’t need to obtain planning permission, visit the UK government website.
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