We are all aware (or at least should be) that when building works take place - either by building a new house, or garage, or adding to an existing dwelling, that the appropriate permissions should be sought from the local planning authority.
In terms of garden structure, the rules appear to be less rigorously applied and will differ in interpretation from council to council.
The Planning Portal should be the place to start if you intend to make improvements to your home or build another property in your garden.
Cautionary tale
Musician Jools Holland has just fallen foul of his local planning authority by creating a large garden feature within the grounds of his estate in Cooling, Rochester, Kent.
According to a report in the Telegraph, Jules Holland failed to apply permission for the structure and has had to put in retrospective planning for the consctruction.
Jools Holland built a semi-walled garden with castellated walls and a viewing point overlooking raised planters, built in stone and natural paving.
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Replies
Wow....I had no ideal Jools was also a landscaper!
Or could it be that his garden designer and / or landscaper did not insist that he obtained permission before starting work?
Colin
as terrible as that design is surely he is allowed to build whatever non habitable structure he likes as long as its not infringing on his neighbours borders?
if the house is in a conversation area or is a listed building then its common knowledge that you will always need planning permission, it looks like the tower is taller than 4 metres high which is the maximum height allowed so that alone contravenes planning permission
Our learnings from the recent Water Management Act are that indeed planing permission requirements can vary across the country. We have also heard reports that in some areas this is being enforced rigorously, there are reported cases where hard landscaping has had to come up if it isn't legal! Conservation areas aside the rule for hard landscaping is, if installing an area at the front of the property, greater than 5sqm, which will mean additional water run off to the road, either build in drainage or seek advice before you start. So as a general rule, I would say, yes the Planning Portal can be useful but if in any doubt check with your local authority.