Decking over already raised patio planning permission?

Wes121708

Our house is elevated and the back door steps out on to an already raised patio (if you can call it that). We are going to add decking over the top of the patio and square it off so it covers the step down. Do we still need planning even if the area outside was already 300mm above the ground as we couldn't get out the back of the house if not?

victor2

Technically you might, but unless it means you are overlooking somebody else where you couldn't before, who is going to complain?

Wes121708

excuse the mess but here is the view from the side of our house which is the same view as the decking as it's level with the floor. It's not a view we're getting and will put up privacy screening it's more for having an outdoor space to sit and eat instead of going down the garden!

ThisIsWeird

The existing 'patio' is presumably beyond enforcement action by Planning in any case, or probably it qualified as a landing 'step' in any event - not sure what the sizes are. Worth trying to check that out first - I think I have seen sizes before, in a similar type of case where someone tried to maintain it was a 'step', when it clearly was far too large! It might be that there isn't even a figure to this, but the Planning Office made the judgement.
I suspect - but don't know - that extending it over the steps would require PP.
Do you already sit out there? If so, can neighbours over that fence easily see you, or you them?
Assuming that your plan really won't cause a concern or privacy issues to anyone else, I have to say that I would simply be tempted to just go ahead, but design it to be easily removable should someone complain and Planning say 'non'.
I wouldn't usually suggest such 'possible' Planning breaches, so I'm only suggesting this on the basis that it really will not impinge on any neighbour in any way (which appears to be the case), and that - if you were to ask Planning first - some jobsworth might say an 'unreasonable' 'non', in which case you'd be stuffed.
You'd be continuing that screening along the extended deck, I'm guessing?
Thoughts on type of decking to use? I ask because decking 'tiles' would raise the height by the least amount, and also would be easily removable back to the current platform should the worst happen. And the initial 'worst' would be that you'd need to apply for retrospective.
So, you'd simply build a timber frame structure to sit on the steps and provide an extended base to match the existing height, all removable very quickly and without damage.
New steps obvs required.
I repeat - I'm only 'suggesting' this go-ahead approach here because I cannot see it remotely affecting anyone else negatively, and it would be a really lovely and enjoyable addition to your home. I think it would be a shame if that were scuppered by an overtight adherence to a rule, however correct the officer would be. 
But, your call.
And you may wish to delete these photos if you go ahead.
But promise you'll come back to show and tell

ThisIsWeird

Ooh, that bay window to the left - looks like you may be overlooking that? 

Wes121708

The only property next to it has been empty for 30 years and is just going through probate so it'll be up before it goes to auction in the next few weeks.
The window on the property at the side use to be a small shop I've heard and is a tiny side extension and looking directly out is just where the other houses have access for their cars.
The frame can be easily removed if needs be and we can put it back as it was if we didn't get retrospective planning.
We will be adding a privacy screen and plants which will actually block our view as it'll be nicer to look out of the window. Thanks all

Wes121708

And to add, we've added the fence since we moved in as it was all open at the back so there was never a privacy issue with the other neighbours further along!

Section62

Wes121708 said:

...Do we still need planning even if the area outside was already 300mm above the ground as we couldn't get out the back of the house if not?

If you are making the area higher (or larger) then you would need planning consent if it is more then 300mm above the ground. By the sound of it you are planning to do both.

If you get on well with all the neighbours (and ideally mention to the neighbour what you are going to do) then you might get away with it. But if there is any friction in the neighbourhood then someone might pick up the phone to the council.

In cases like this there can be quite a lot of variation in opinion depending on the individual planning enforcement officer's view.  If you do get a letter or knock on the door it is better to be open and honest with them rather than trying to be clever.  Claiming the whole area is a 'step' would probably get you on their wrong side.

Wes121708

@Section62 we don't have any neighbours at present that we are over looking as the house next door is inhabitable at present but obviously we will eventually when it goes to auction.
The other side who we are attached to but not over looking have recently done their loft without pp and get on ok with them.
I think we'll see how it goes and take a lot of pictures to document it and follow the guidance with the balustrade and railings in case anything comes about.

Wes121708

Thought I'd pop back to show how we finished it. We've slated the sides for privacy but haven't put a handrail on yet as the kids quite like the slide!

FreeBear

Wes121708 said:

Thought I'd pop back to show how we finished it. We've slated the sides for privacy but haven't put a handrail on yet as the kids quite like the slide!

Just needto wait 10 years to see if the local council serves an enforcement notice (rules changed last year). Looks good though.