Planning Permission Rules for Landscaping in Haslemere

Do You Need Planning Permission for Landscaping?

In many cases, patios, paths and garden works do not require permission — but exceptions are common, particularly in conservation areas, on steep plots or where ground levels are altered significantly.

Common Landscaping Projects & Planning Rules

Patios & Paving

• Ground-level patios usually do not need planning permission
• Raising ground levels significantly may require approval
• Drainage rules apply to impermeable surfaces over 5m², especially near the house

For construction detail and long-term performance, see our patio installation guide for Haslemere and our notes on subsidence & patio longevity.

Driveways

• Permeable surfaces are generally permitted under driveway rules
• Non-permeable driveways must drain to permeable areas within your property
• Front garden driveways may have additional restrictions, especially on busy roads

Our driveway construction standards guide explains how we detail sub-bases, drainage and finished levels in more depth.

Retaining Walls

• Walls over 1m high next to a highway usually require permission
• Walls over 2m elsewhere may need approval
• Structural and safety considerations still apply regardless of permission

You can read more about safety, loading and good practice in our retaining wall rules & safety guide.

Changes to Levels

• Major terracing, banking or land raising can trigger planning requirements
• Impact on neighbours, boundaries and drainage is assessed
• Visible changes may require consent in sensitive or elevated locations

Level changes are often part of complete garden rebuilds, where careful planning can help avoid problems later.

Drainage & Water Management

• Flood risk and water run-off must be controlled
• Soakaways must not impact neighbouring properties
• Special care is needed near watercourses or where ground falls towards buildings

Our garden drainage & groundworks guide sets out how we design soakaways, French drains and channel drains for Haslemere’s mixed soil conditions.

Conservation Areas & Special Locations

Parts of Haslemere and surrounding villages include conservation areas where additional rules apply.

• Restrictions on changes affecting character or appearance
• Tighter controls on walls, fencing, surfacing and tree works
• Early discussion with the council is strongly advised before major changes

Building Regulations vs Planning Permission

Some elements of landscaping fall under building regulations rather than planning rules:

• Structural retaining walls and significant level changes
• Steps and level changes posing fall risks
• Drainage systems connecting to public sewers or shared systems

Even if formal approval isn’t required, our construction approach follows best practice on structural stability, drainage and safety.

Permitted Development Is Not a Free-for-All

Even where planning permission isn’t required, work must still be:

• Structurally sound
• Properly drained and designed for local soil conditions
• Safe and compliant with good practice

We always explain how your project fits within permitted development and how it links to overall landscaping budgets in Haslemere so there are no surprises.

Areas We Cover

Haslemere · Shottermill · Hindhead · Grayswood · Camelsdale · Hammer · Marley · Fernhurst · Linchmere · Kingsley Green · Surrey/Sussex borders

Unsure If Permission Is Needed?

We can advise on likely planning requirements, highlight potential issues before work begins and, if needed, help you shape a design that stays within permitted development where possible. This often forms part of our early discussions on complete garden rebuilds, new patios and driveway projects.

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Planning Permission for Landscaping – Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need planning permission for a new patio in Haslemere?

Most ground-level patios fall under permitted development, provided you’re not raising levels significantly and surface water is drained correctly. If you’re in a conservation area, close to boundaries or creating raised platforms, it’s worth checking in more detail and reviewing our patio installation guide for construction considerations.

When do retaining walls require planning permission?

As a general rule, retaining walls over 1m high next to a highway, or over 2m elsewhere, may require consent. However, even smaller walls need to be structurally sound and safely detailed. Our retaining wall rules & safety guide explains how we approach design, drainage and loading on sloping Haslemere plots.

Are driveway projects covered by permitted development?

Many driveways are permitted without a full planning application, especially where permeable surfacing is used or water is directed to a suitable soakaway. Non-permeable surfaces draining onto the highway or public sewers are more likely to need specific attention. See our driveway construction standards for how we handle this in practice.

What about full garden rebuilds and terracing?

Complete garden rebuilds often involve a combination of level changes, retaining walls, patios and steps. Some schemes can be designed to remain within permitted development; others may benefit from formal approval, especially on steep sites or in conservation areas. Our complete garden rebuilds guide gives examples of typical projects and timescales.

Haslemere Landscaping Knowledge Hub

Explore all of our in-depth landscaping guides for Haslemere, Hindhead, Grayswood, Kingsley Green, Shottermill and the surrounding Surrey/Sussex borders:

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