Planning Permission - Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need planning permission for a driveway?
• What is the highest I can build a garden wall or fence?

Do I need planning permission for a driveway?

You do not need Planning permission for the dropped kerb itself. If it is a commercial property, or you live in flats, planning permission will be required. If you live in a house, you may need permission for access to the property including cases where there is a breach in a wall or hedge.

You will need planning permission in each of the following cases:

• If the access is to be formed in connection with works which themselves require Planning Permission.
• If the access is not to be formed in connection with works which are classed as Permitted Development. ( works which do not need Planning Permission)
• If the property is in a Conservation Area where special controls apply.

You may also need planning permission if the access would cause a traffic safety problem.

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What is the highest I can build a garden wall or fence?

If the wall or fence is between properties it can be up to 2 metres high above natural ground level. If the construction is adjoining to the highway, then the maximum height is 1 metre. There are however, restrictions on many housing estates, where planning permission is required.

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