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If you are thinking about adding a beautiful new decking area to your garden, you are certainly not alone. Decking has become one of the most popular home improvement trends across the South Coast, particularly in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Dorset, Southampton and Weymouth. It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to transform an outdoor space into a practical and stylish area for socialising, relaxing and enjoying coastal living. Whether you are dreaming of composite decking boards, classic hardwood decking, softwood decking or a completely bespoke, modern outdoor living space, one question almost always pops up first. Do you actually need planning permission for a new decking installation in the UK?
This guide explains everything you need to know in a friendly, conversational and expert-led way so you can make confident decisions about your decking project.
Contact our TeamThe good news is that in most cases you will not need planning permission to install garden decking. Many homeowners in Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding areas are able to add decking under something called permitted development rules. These rules allow you to make certain changes to your home without needing to submit an application to the council.
However, permitted development only applies if your decking fits within specific height, size and location limits. If the decking is raised, positioned in a conservation area or forms part of a listed property, the planning rules become stricter. Understanding these rules before you start work can save a lot of time and stress.
Request a QuoteDecking is treated very similarly to patios and external platforms in UK planning law. If you stay within what is considered a reasonable size and height, you can normally install decking at your home without needing permission. The most important rule relates to height, which is often where homeowners unintentionally fall outside the guidelines.
Under permitted development, your decking must not be more than thirty centimetres above the natural ground level. This rule is particularly important for anyone living in a coastal or sloped area, where gardens can change height quite dramatically. A raised area of decking that creates a viewing platform or overlooks neighbouring properties is much more likely to require planning approval. This is because the council wants to protect local privacy and avoid visual impact issues.
There is also a rule that the total area of decking and any other additions such as sheds, outbuildings and extensions should not cover more than fifty percent of your total garden. If you already have quite a lot of built space outdoors, adding decking may push you over this limit.
Call us TodayThe specific material you choose does not normally affect whether you need planning permission. You can usually install timber, composite, PVC or other decking solutions without permission as long as the structure meets the permitted height and size limits.
Composite decking has become extremely popular across Bournemouth and Poole due to its durability, low maintenance requirements and ability to withstand salty sea air and coastal moisture.
Measuring decking height is something many homeowners get wrong, and this mistake can cause planning issues later. The height is not measured from the lowest point of the garden but from the highest part of the natural ground level next to the decking.
For example, if the left side of your decking sits twenty centimetres above the ground but the right side sits sixty centimetres above a sloped drop, the council considers the decking to be sixty centimetres high. This is well above the permitted development limit and may require planning permission.
There are several simple approaches that can help ensure your decking remains within permitted development limits. Choosing an area of the garden with naturally level ground reduces the likelihood of the structure becoming raised above thirty centimetres.
A terraced or multi level design is another excellent option. Instead of one large platform, you can create smaller, lower sections that transition gradually with the garden’s natural slope. This creates a stylish, dynamic layout while keeping within legal requirements.
Some homeowners choose to excavate slightly into the ground to lower the finished height of the decking. This can be particularly helpful in gardens with uneven levels. Planting shrubs or using privacy screens can also help minimise any potential overlooking concerns.
Contact our TeamIf you are planning a new decking installation in Bournemouth, Poole, Dorset or anywhere along the South Coast, Coastal Property Improvements is here to help. Our specialist team installs composite decking, hardwood and softwood timber decking, PVC decking solutions and fully bespoke garden decking designed for coastal living. We also offer professional decking repairs and ongoing maintenance to keep your outdoor space looking its best all year round.
Whether you are exploring garden decking Bournemouth options, thinking about a raised coastal deck or simply want expert guidance on planning rules, our team can provide clear advice and a free quotation. Get in touch today and let us help you create an outdoor space that is beautiful, practical and built to last.