Do you need planning permission for a fence, patio or driveway?

Under permitted development in England, you can usually put up a fence, wall or gate up to 2 metres high without planning permission. That drops to 1 metre where it's next to a road or footpath used by vehicles. Different rules can apply to listed buildings and some conservation areas.

Rear patios at ground level generally don't need permission. Decking is usually permitted development as long as it's no more than 30cm above the ground and, together with other extensions and outbuildings, covers no more than half the garden.

If you're paving more than 5m² of a front garden, the surface needs to be permeable (such as resin-bound, gravel or permeable block paving), or rainwater must run off to a lawn or border. Otherwise you'll need planning permission. If you need a new dropped kerb, that needs separate approval from your local council.

Rules vary between Slough Borough Council, the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Bracknell Forest and neighbouring councils, especially in conservation areas. The Planning Portal is a good starting point, and we'll flag anything we think needs checking during your site visit.

This guide is general information, not legal advice.