Raised Decking on Slope

[Illdoitinabit]

My husband and I have recently had a complete overhaul of our garden. We got someone in to do it for us as it was a big job. Our garden is sloped with the bottom being the lowest point. We've had it split into 3 levels, top is patio, middle is grass and the bottom decking.

Our neighbour has raised with us today that we should of gained planning permission for the decking. I've done some googling and it states it shouldn't be 30cm above the original ground however some sites say this can be from the lowest point.

Does anybody have any advice? Its definitely higher then 30cm right at the bottom but only about 5cm from where it first starts.

Thanks in advance

Doesn't the regulations only apply to new builds?

Even if not, I wouldn't be concerned, you can always raise the level of the ground by adding top soil if it comes to it.

What's your neighbours issue with it? Does it give him less privacy?

Thanks for your reply.

I'm not sure if it's just for new builds, ours was built in the 70's.

I did a bit more digging and it seems that the height can be taken from the land adjacent to the building. As the garden at the bottom is lower then technically we can raise it even more.

I'm not sure if the neighbour has an issue or just sticking his nose in. Yes we will be able to see in his garden more however we can currently look straight into his conservatory from our patio as his fence is only 5ft. We had an oak tree cut back last year (just a hair trim) which caused him to raise a lot of questions too. He's semi-retired so I'm wondering if he just has too much spare time on his hands and has taken an interest to our garden, for whatever reason!

Yes he could just be a busy body,

I was concerned about the height of mine as the regulations said over a certain height off the ground it needs a hand rail and I didn't want want. The groundwork company who are excellent told me that the regulation applied to new builds only, so I didn't need one, but if I wanted they could raise the level of the ground.

My issue is the same as yours, the ground slopes away from the house.

That's actually put my mind to rest, thank you!

I’m not sure that what has been said about new builds is true but I guess it depends on your council.

Our neighbours have just been pulled up by our council as their deck is higher than 30cm. Our gardens slope upwards towards where their deck is so even with a 6ft fence between us their heads are towering above the fence. It’s horrible.

It's not just new builds. Personally I think you should have taken your neighbours privacy into consideration, would you mind if someone did the same to you?

Planning can make you take it down, although I doubt they would bother.