Planning & Rules
The short answer is usually no. Most landscaping work, including patios, driveways, and decking, falls under "Permitted Development" in the UK. However, living in London means dealing with densely packed properties, conservation areas, and specific water drainage laws.
Since 2024, significant legislation concerning hard surfaces (patios/driveways) relates to drainage. If you are paving over a front garden, you do not need planning permission if the surface is permeable (porous) OR if the rainwater is directed into a lawn or border to drain naturally.
If the water runs off into the public drains/highway, you will require planning permission. For rear gardens, this is rarely an issue, but proper drainage (ACO drains leading to soakaways) is best practice anyway.
Putting up timber or composite decking is permitted development, provided that:
If you plan to build a raised balcony or platform higher than 300mm to overcome a sloped garden, you must apply for planning permission.
London is filled with conservation areas. If your property is in a conservation area, permitted development rights are heavily restricted. Furthermore, if you live in a ground-floor flat or maisonette, you generally DO NOT have permitted development rights. You must always check with your local council.
We advise on planning rules as part of every free consultation. Get in touch and we'll guide you through the process.