Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Do I need a planning permission

Simone_in_WiltshireSimone_in_Wiltshire Posts: 1,073
edited April 2022 in Problem solving
Hello Gardeners

I checked with the internet, but it's not what I want to change (I'm in the process of thinking about a change). And before I contact the council for something that turns out to be not needed, I hope you can give me a short yes/no.

I recently heard that more people convert their front garden into green spaces as this doesn't require planning permission.
With our flat that we bought, is a space on the left side that belongs to us and is an eyesore.
There is concrete which was planned as a parking space, but it's broken, there seem to be bricks to the left underneath, and weeds are coming through. The parking space can't be used as there is no ramp or flatten border.

Do I need planning permission to remove that concrete In brown) and to fill the space with shrubs. Or do I need still some sort of drainage even it doesn't exist currently or wasn't needed in the 50's.

Next to is is the path to the house, and underneath is the sewage pipe and belongs to the council, as well as the area on the right side.



Many thanks for your answer.

I ♥ my garden.

«1

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I can't see a problem with you wanting to do that. It's usually the case that people want to do things the other way round.
    I think your only problem would be the drainage but that probably won't emerge until you start work. The shrubs will take up moisture.
     I think in this day and age greening up,spaces is the way to go, and if the land belongs to you then go for it. It's something to be encouraged imo.
    If you have any concerns you could maybe contact your local Citizens advice bureau and see what they say. 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    It's a lovely idea, but I think you should speak with Planning dept at your Council - they should be able to give you some advice.
    I think to an extent that it will depend if you own the freehold to your flat and the area you wish to change.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • didywdidyw Posts: 3,573
    I don't think you would need planning permission to remove the hardstanding to replace it with topsoil for planting.  Be aware though that you will need a skip as there will be all of the hardcore beneath to remove as well.  If you don't have space on the property and it has to go on the highway, you will need a permit for that.
    Gardening in East Suffolk on dry sandy soil.
  • owd potterowd potter Posts: 979
    As @Pete.8 notes, I think your freehold status is everything here.
    You probably wouldn't need planning permission to green it, but if you remove the currently hard paved surface, then you may affect the right to repave it for parking should this be required in the future. 
    Off street parking is generally a valuable commodity.
    Just another day at the plant...
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    Do you have the freehold to the flat and parking space?  If not you'll need to speak to the freeholder.  If you have, I would still speak to the council as there may be a requirement for each flat to have offroad parking.
  • Simone_in_WiltshireSimone_in_Wiltshire Posts: 1,073
    @KT53 if that matters, it’s leasehold. 
    But you all answered my question. It’s better to contact the council first. The house belongs to the council. 

    Thanks 👍

    I ♥ my garden.

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited April 2022
    If it is a leasehold flat (as most are) then you would need to seek permission from the Freeholder which in your case is the Council.
    Good luck

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,093
    edited April 2022
    Just between you and I, Simone - and don't tell anyone I said this - it's often easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Personally, I'd just do it and see if anyone complained. But then I wouldn't have to lay out much expense to reinstate the hardstanding if someone objected, so I may be rather more cavalier than you can be. At least then I'd be able to put something back that looked a bit better.

    On your specific question re drainage, by removing concrete you're improving the drainage situation so no, you won't have to add any
    Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    I had a simple planning query about whether or not I needed planning permission for a summerhouse in my garden. An informal chat with the planning department seemed the obvious next step but, discovering the fee for informal advice was about £150, I did not bother. Check if your council has a similar policy. 
    Rutland, England
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    In the OPs situation, they won't need to speak to the Planning department they need to speak to Housing who control all things property related.  If they give the OK, Planning would have to take it up with them if there was an issue. :)
Sign In or Register to comment.