Planning permission required for sloped garden terrace?

nazuro4013

The retaining wall (pictured, currently propped up by scaffolding poles) is failing and needs to be replaced. I plan to bring the wall out by another metre to create a larger, flat lawn area with balustrade for safety. Do I need planning permission for this? The only thing I can find online regarding permitted development is for "platforms" such as deckings that are over 30cm. Also attach pictures from the edge of the current retaining wall looking over to neighbouring properties. Thanks in advance

PennysIntoPounds

What a lovely view! I think you would be best contacting your local council's planning department about this, could be that you don't need full planning permission but do need to have things signed off for safety etc

https://www.gov.uk/building-regulations-approval

nazuro4013

PennysIntoPounds said:

What a lovely view! I think you would be best contacting your local council's planning department about this, could be that you don't need full planning permission but do need to have things signed off for safety etc

https://www.gov.uk/building-regulations-approval

Thank you! Yes my council has two paid for services they provide:
"Pre application advice" service, or a Lawful Development Certificate. Not sure in this situation which is the best to go for. I think the advice once as it doesn't require detailed elevation etc drawings whereas the Lawful Development Certificate would. What do you reckon?

Dustyevsky

Any structure raising the surface more than 0.3m requires permission, but whether that's applied for depends on site dependent circumstances. One's personal attitude towards the local planning authority might also pay a part. I've found my own authority's stance has changed in recent years, making me less inclined to consult with them. 

I've created a level, grassed 'shelf' on sloping land, losing tens of tonnes of clean building material in the process, and not bothered with the niceties of seeking permission. However, I live in the country, with no one inconvenienced by that work, or likely to connect it with planning rules, should they see it.

From the photos, it seems overlooking might be something your neighbours might be concerned about if you extend the raised area. Your children could innocently play on the lawn created, but in some people's eyes they might appear to be 'invading privacy.' 

And of course if you do apply for planning, your neighbours will be allowed to comment on the proposal, and perhaps, object.

So, it comes down to the exact circumstances, and the attitudes of all concerned. Just because people might object, also doesn't mean a well-considered application will be turned-down. I had eight objections to a proposal submitted in 2023, and it was approved. It was obvious that the planners were sympathetic to the objectors (one an ex-council official) but as they put it, there were, "no reasonable grounds on which to refuse."

PennysIntoPounds said:

What a lovely view! I think you would be best contacting your local council's planning department about this, could be that you don't need full planning permission but do need to have things signed off for safety etc

https://www.gov.uk/building-regulations-approval

Building regs, of necessity, apply to buildings. They aren't the preserve of the planning dept. A garden structure would only need building regs if it supported a building. I agree, a retaining wall might need a structural engineer's advice, but that goes beyond the matter raised here. 

twopenny

Your neighbours have already grown a hedge on their side to give them more privacy from the way it's been raised already and they will need to grow it higher to maintain that privacy. 
How do they feel about that?

Even if within your rights have you a good reason for wanting to extend? You may need to consider this for any objections.
It looks very nice and in proportion now as it is.

Here we have a small planning surgery once a month, where people can go for free to ask for advice. It's a good idea as saves everyone unnecessary time and effort.

On a simple point, make sure it's a sheets worth away from the washing. I've made that mistake 😉

nazuro4013

Thanks all. I will consult with our neighbours first and then may use our council's "Pre application advice" Just to be on the safe side. 

Reason for wanting to extend it out is to give a larger lawn area for kids to play on.