DISCOUNT PLANS LTD

Under the GPDO rule for Raised Decking or Hardstanding Patio to the rear or side of the amenity spaces no more than 300mm in height is allowed. Any Patio less than 300mm will fall under a Permitted Development application status. (if the property is not a flat or in a conservation area) The rule has been put in place to protect the privacy of overlooking. Garden fences are usually 1800mm high and having raised decking would cause a feeling of overlooking which would affect the right of enjoyment in the amenity of neighbouring properties. In such cases the houses have trees obscuring the view to the adjoining houses or there is a high wall or fence blocking the sight into the neighbour's gardens, this is when an application to the council would be needed to get a case officer to review the site and determine if the new decking design would affect the neighbour's privacy. If the case officer feels that no impact would arise in a raised decking design then Planning Permission will be granted. Below are two examples of types of decking arrangments, one being a low-level decking placement and the other a raised decking arrangement due to the level drop from the extension to the garden level.