UK homeowners with gardens have been warned about making changes to their gardens
£5,000 fines could be administered by magistrates for making changes to gardens without planning permission (Image: Andrew Merry via Getty Images)
British households with garden have been cautioned that “it’s illegal” to make some changes to their outdoor area as they could face the threat of a huge fine. Magistrates could impose a £5,000 fine for a significant mistake some homeowners risk making when modifying their gardens.
Households across the UK considering installing seating areas in their gardens have received a warning from Helen Godsiff, brand manager at leading home improvement specialists, Eurocell.
Godsiff advises homeowners planning to transform their garden layout should always consult with your local planning authority – typically the local council – prior to implementing any alterations. Councils will then assess the situation based on flooding risks or effects on the local environment.
Should construction proceed without obtaining proper authorisation, you could face an abatement notice from the local authority. Failure to comply with this directive to cease work can result in penalties of up to £5,000 for homeowners, reports Birmingham Live.
Cautioning British households about “illegal” schemes for their back yards and front gardens, Godsiff, brand manager at leading home improvement specialists, Eurocell, stated: “While it may seem unfair to face fines for making improvements to your own garden, planning permission rules exist for a reason.”
“They help prevent disputes with neighbours and reduce the risk of long-term issues caused by poorly planned projects.”
The specialist went on, adding: “That said, many major garden upgrades can be done without planning permission.
“For example, garden rooms are often designed to meet Permitted Development rules, and installing a composite deck below 30cm is usually straightforward.”
£5,000 fines could be administered by magistrates(Image: Getty )
She went on to say: “Landscaping can also be carried out in a way that avoids disrupting the rest of the garden or requiring approval.
“Whatever the project, it’s essential to research the regulations before getting started.
“That way, homeowners can avoid unexpected fines – or an unwelcome visit from the planning officer!”
The Guild of Residential Landlords (GRL) has also recently shared advice on its website, detailing that homeowners and landlords “must balance” adding value by tweaking outdoor spaces and “breaking strict planning laws”.
“A tidy garden attract tenants and buyers, but be careful how much you improve your plot without permission, as you may risk a hefty fine”, GRL explained.
Helping self-managing landlords and letting agents to “stay compliant”, GRL reports on its website that councils can “penalise” up to a hefty £20,000 if they “plough ahead with improvements without planning permission” in their outdoor space.
GRL added: “Paving over tatty grass, laying decking, or erecting an oversized gate without planning permission can all result in fines, although most councils will accept a retrospective planning application.”
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