Planning Permission Rules for Landscaping in Farnham

Patios & Terraces

Good news: Patios almost never require planning permission unless:

• The property is listed
• You are significantly altering ground levels (over 300mm change)
• Hard surfaces will redirect water into the highway or neighbouring property
• You live in a conservation area and changing the front garden aesthetic

Farnham Conservation Areas:

• Farnham Town Centre
• Wrecclesham
• The Bourne
• Great Austins
• Farnham Park
• Castle Street area

In these zones, some materials and designs may need discussion with Waverley Borough Council.

Driveways

Driveways generally fall under permitted development if:

• The surface is permeable (gravel, permeable block paving, resin-bound)
• Or the water drains onto your own land (via channels, soakaways, Type 3 base)

You DO need permission if:

• You’re paving over a front garden with non-permeable material
• You’re altering vehicle access (e.g., widening or creating a dropped kerb)

Retaining Walls & Level Changes

You may need planning permission if:

• The wall exceeds 1 metre in height next to a highway
• The wall exceeds 2 metres in height anywhere else
• Ground levels change by more than 300mm
• Your property is in a conservation area with visible structural changes

For sloping gardens in The Bourne, Frensham and Rowledge, terracing may require a quick planning check.

Fencing, Gates & Boundaries

Permitted without planning permission if:

• The fence is no higher than 2 metres
• Or no more than 1 metre next to a road

You DO need permission if:

• The property is listed
• You’re raising boundary levels significantly
• A neighbour disputes the boundary line

Outbuildings & Garden Rooms

Most garden rooms are allowed if they are:

• Under 2.5m high (within 2m of a boundary)
• Not forward of the front elevation
• Not used for permanent living accommodation

Frensham, Rowledge and Tilford often require tree surveys before foundations are dug.

Tree Protection Orders (TPOs) in Farnham

Many areas have protected mature trees — especially in Rowledge, Wrecclesham and Lower Bourne.

You must apply for permission if you intend to:

• Remove a tree
• Reduce or prune a protected tree
• Cut roots during excavation

We can handle the application if required.

Listed Buildings

Farnham has numerous listed buildings, especially around Castle Street, West Street, The Borough and Great Austins. Any exterior alteration should be checked before work begins.

Areas We Cover

Farnham · Wrecclesham · Rowledge · Lower Bourne · Upper Hale · Heath End · Frensham · Tilford · Ewshot · Crondall · Boundstone

Need Advice on Planning?

If you're unsure whether your landscaping project requires permission, we can advise during a free site visit.

Request Guidance

Farnham Landscaping Knowledge Hub

Explore all of our in-depth landscaping guides for Farnham · Wrecclesham · Rowledge · Lower Bourne · Upper Hale · Heath End · Frensham · Tilford · Crondall · Ewshot · Boundstone:

Start a Conversation