Wanting To Have A New Deck? Acquire Planning Permission From The Local Authority

By Author: Garry Stacks
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Are you sure you want to add a deck on your property? If you have decided finally to have a deck around your home this is perhaps the place for you to give a read. Nothing looks more pleasing and appropriate than a well decked outdoor space surrounding your home. However, before you give a nod to an upcoming decking project, understand whether you will need to acquire a planning permission for the intended project.
 
Wondering what all can happen if you do not opt for planning applications in Berkshire while you get a deck installed on your property? It is likely that going ahead without seeking a permission from the local authority can land you in trouble; as it will not take much of time for the planning authority to visit your home and dismantle the most desired deck. Further, issues may arise when time will come for you to sell the property.
 
What are Planning Permissions or Building Regulations?
In the first case it is crucial you understand the differences between the two. Wondering ...
... whether a decking service would require you to have planning permission or should you go by the existing building regulations.
 
The term planning permission is generally covered by the planning authority of your locality. It refers to all the external works, namely extensions and installations of a building. Planning permission will involve critical aspects where a probable extension on your property will have an impact on the neighbouring properties or the local environment. Under such scenarios you will need planning applications in Berkshire to be approved by the local authority.
 
Building regulations on the other hand are standards set by the Government of England which define standards for designing and construction/extension/conversion of an existing building. With the help of building regulations, it is possible to ensure that your newly installed deck is absolutely safe and sound.
 
Do You Require Planning Permission to Install A New Deck?
Of course, you will need one, if you want to enjoy a deck for a longer span. Experts recommend that you seek planning permission before embarking on a deck installation project. Since these types of works generally refer to garden extensions and renovation of a house, they must be approved at first. According to experts however, in case of the most minor improvement like laying down a composite decking, as an owner you will not need to acquire planning permission for the same. Under the following scenarios you will not need to acquire planning permission:
 

You will not need planning permission if the deck you intend to have on your property does not run past the front wall of your property.
Forget about planning applications if the deck does not go above 30cms from the ground.
The deck along with any outbuildings and extensions covers less than 50% of the garden area.

 
However, under certain scenarios, acquiring planning permission becomes a necessity. In such scenarios, the permission must be procured before even the decking boards are installed. What are such circumstances?
 

When the decking is supposed to affect value or privacy of the neighbouring property
When the deck is attached to any listed building, a conservation zone or national park
When the deck is built within a radius of 20 meters from a highway

 
Applying for Planning Permission
So, you already have a great looking deck on your mind? In that case we will firstly recommend that you talk to your neighbours and unfold your idea to them, so that at least they can get an outline of your plan. As a part of the process, your neighbours will be consulted for feedback on your upcoming project. Going without the planning permission may turn out harmful for your property, as the family next door can any time raise concern regarding the deck installation you have in mind.
 
For planning applications, you will need to attain appropriate forms available online. Even the local planning authority can provide you with the same. The planning applications available in Berkshire will cover the following areas as discussed:
 

Location or site plan along with details of the deck, concerning the surrounding environment.
Your complete house address
Complete details about the deck including its height, length, and width
Details about the deck and how it is supposed to impact the environment around your home. According to experts it is a significant aspect when your home is near a listed building or a conservation area

 
How Big Should An Ideal Deck Be, if it Does Not Require Planning Permission?
As explained earlier, your new deck along with other extended features must not cross the 50% percent threshold. If the structure crosses the limit, you will undeniably require seeking permission from the local planning authority.
 
Planning permission however is not needful when your deck does not cross a height of 30cms or does not take up 50% of your garden area. In these two scenarios you can skip planning applications in Berkshire. However, we will still suggest that you seek opinion of the local planning authority to stay steer cleared of any possible threat with regards to the installation of a new deck.
 
About the Author: This contribution has been made by Garry Stacks who has written a number of articles on Planning Applications Berkshire and provides fruitful information.