If you’re thinking of installing a fancy new decking or fence onto your garden ahead of summer, you may want to be aware of these three little-known rules that could end up costing you a fortune
A fancy new decking in your back garden could end up breaking the bank, thanks to a little-known rule.
As Brits dream of a sizzling summer, many of us are considering adding a bit of pizzazz to our overgrown, moss-ridden lawns. Adding a decking is a great way to elevate your outdoor living space, and allows you to finally get out those patio chairs and tables that would never balance right on the grass. Plus, they’re pretty low maintenance to keep in good nick.
However, an expert has warned you could be slapped with an ‘unlimited’ fine for breaching a host of strict regulations – which would be sure to dampen the sunniest of summers…
If you’re building a new fence or decking, you’ll most likely need a skip to get rid of all the junk. You don’t need to apply for a skip permit if this giant dustbin is going on your own property (like your driveway or garden) but if it’s being placed on a public road – you will need to apply for a permit. Any homeowners found using a skip without a permit will face daily fines of more than £100 – plus a £560 fee if your skip is impounded.
Paul Kershaw at Trade Fix Direct warns you must also check with your local council about any safety lights or markings you may need – such as traffic cones and nighttime safety lights. He says failing to add the required accessories on or around your skip can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Lastly, don’t ever be tempted to use someone else’s skip without permission – even if you really despise your neighbour. This is technically classed as fly tipping which is punishable with a £5,000 fine or even a prison sentence.
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According to DevonLive, breaching the height of your decking or fence could result in an ‘unlimited’ fine. Deckings over 30cm in height, or ones that cover more than half of your garden’s surface area, will require planning permission.
If you haven’t done this, local councils can order the constriction to be fully reversed under Section 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act (1990). Failure to comply with this request has an unlimited fine, so it’s always best to seek approval before you start to build.
The same goes for fences over the height of two metres (6.5ft) in height. If your fence is next to a footpath or road, this height is reduced to 3.2ft – and anything over that would require planning permission from your Local Planning Authority. Erecting a fence without council permission can result in an enforcement notice – if that is ignored you could face unlimited fines.
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