Planning Permission for Landscaping in Guildford

Do Patios Need Planning Permission?

In most cases: No.

Adding or replacing a patio generally falls under permitted development as long as:

• The work is at ground level.
• You aren’t significantly raising existing levels.
• Drainage is dealt with responsibly.

When Patios DO Need Permission

• If you raise ground levels by more than 300 mm.
• If the property is listed.
• If the property is within a conservation area (parts of Guildford are).
• If the patio connects to an extension or structure needing permission.

Driveways & SUDS Regulations

For driveways over 5 m², the government requires that surface water does not drain onto the public highway.

Therefore, you must either:

• Use a permeable surface (gravel grids, permeable block paving); or
• Install drainage channels directing water to a soakaway or lawn area.

Planning permission is required if you install a non-permeable driveway that drains onto the street without proper SUDS-compliant drainage.

Retaining Walls

Many retaining walls do not need planning permission, but there are important exceptions.

You MAY Need Permission If:

• The wall is over 1 m high next to a highway.
• The wall is over 2 m high elsewhere.
• The wall forms a boundary between two properties.
• The wall is part of a larger engineering project.

Listed buildings always have stricter requirements and may require formal approval for any new walls or terraces.

Fences & Boundaries

Generally, you can put up a fence without permission if:

• It is 2 m or lower in height.
• Or, 1 m if fronting a highway.

Permission is required if:

• The fence exceeds these heights.
• The property is listed.
• The boundary treatment was set by previous planning conditions.

Garden Level Changes

Small adjustments are normally fine. You may need permission if you:

• Change levels by more than 300 mm.
• Create terraces or platforms overlooking neighbours.
• Build substantial retaining structures.

Decking

Decking is permitted development as long as:

• It is no more than 300 mm high.
• The property is not listed.
• You are not in a sensitive conservation zone.

Outbuildings (Garden Rooms, Sheds, Offices)

Outbuildings rarely need planning permission if they follow the national permitted development rules:

• Maximum height 2.5 m within 2 m of a boundary.
• Up to 4 m overall height with pitched roof, away from boundaries.
• Not forward of the house’s principal elevation.
• Not taking up more than 50% of your garden.

We can advise during a site visit whether your proposed outbuilding falls within these rules.

Conservation Areas in Guildford

Certain parts of Guildford are within conservation areas, especially older central areas and parts of the Surrey Hills. Rules are stricter, particularly for:

• Boundary walls
• Tree works
• Hard landscaping visible from the public highway
• Alterations to front gardens

Listed Buildings

If your home is listed, you will likely need consent for:

• Any new boundary walls.
• Major groundworks.
• Outbuildings, steps or terraces.
• Altering access routes or driveways.

We can help you understand what may or may not require a formal application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I'm unsure whether my project needs permission?

We can advise during a site visit, or you can contact Guildford Borough Council’s planning department for clarification. Many questions can be answered quickly once we see your garden levels and proposed works.

Do I need permission for a driveway extension?

Usually only if it affects drainage or creates run-off onto the public highway. Permeable surfaces are normally exempt.

Can I build a retaining wall next to my neighbour?

Yes, but if the wall forms a boundary, is load-bearing or affects their land, permission or agreement may be required.

What about steps leading up to a raised patio?

Steps themselves don’t require permission, but if the patio platform is raised by more than 300 mm, planning may apply.

Need Help Navigating Planning Rules?

If you're in Guildford, Burpham, Merrow, Shalford, Bramley, Stoughton or the surrounding Surrey Hills and want expert guidance on whether your landscaping project needs planning permission, we’d be happy to advise.

Request Planning Advice

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