Planning a new brick garden wall, extension or outbuilding? Before choosing your bricks, it’s worth checking whether your project needs planning permission.
Many home improvement projects fall under permitted development, which means you may not need to apply for full planning permission. However, the rules depend on the size, height, position and use of the structure, as well as whether your home is listed, in a conservation area or subject to local restrictions.
Here’s a simple guide to what you need to know.
What is permitted development?
Permitted development allows homeowners to carry out certain building work without a full planning application, as long as the project stays within set limits.
It can apply to garden walls, some extensions and many outbuildings. However, permitted development rights can be restricted or removed, particularly for listed buildings, flats, maisonettes, conservation areas and properties affected by an Article 4 Direction.
For peace of mind, always check with your local planning authority before starting work.
Do you need planning permission for a brick garden wall?
In many cases, you won’t need planning permission for a garden wall, provided it stays within the permitted height limits.
As a general rule, you can usually build, alter or replace a wall without planning permission if:
⦿ It is no more than 1 metre high next to a highway used by vehicles, or the footpath of that highway
⦿ It is no more than 2 metres high elsewhere
⦿ You are not increasing the height of an existing wall that already exceeds those limits
⦿ The property is not listed
⦿ Permitted development rights have not been removed
This is why planning permission garden wall searches usually come down to one key point: where the wall is and how high it will be.
If the wall sits at the front of your property, next to a pavement or close to a road, the 1 metre rule is especially important.
Garden wall regulations UK: what else matters?
Planning permission is only one part of garden wall regulations in the UK. Your wall also needs to be safe, stable and suitable for its location.
You should think about:
⦿ Foundations
⦿ Drainage
⦿ Wall thickness
⦿ Whether the wall is retaining soil
⦿ Wind exposure
⦿ Boundary ownership
⦿ The Party Wall Act
A low decorative wall is usually straightforward. A taller wall, retaining wall or wall supporting heavy gates may need professional advice from a builder, structural engineer or Building Control.
What if you’re in a conservation area?
If your property is in a conservation area, there may be extra restrictions on building, altering or removing walls. Your local authority may also care more about the type of brick you use, especially if the wall or extension is visible from the street.
That doesn’t mean you can’t build. It simply means the design and materials may need to suit the local character.
Choosing bricks that match the surrounding properties can help your project look right and may make the planning process smoother.
Do you need planning permission for an outbuilding?
Planning permission outbuilding rules depend on the size, height, position and use of the building.
Outbuildings can include garages, garden offices, workshops, sheds, greenhouses and summer houses. Many are allowed under permitted development, provided they meet certain limits.
As a general guide, an outbuilding should:
⦿ Be single storey
⦿ Not sit forward of the principal elevation of the house
⦿ Have a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres
⦿ Be no higher than 2.5 metres if within 2 metres of a boundary
⦿ Not cover more than half the land around the original house
⦿ Be used for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the home
If you want to use an outbuilding as separate living accommodation, it is unlikely to fall under simple permitted development and will usually need closer planning consideration.
When do Building Regulations apply to outbuildings?
Planning permission and Building Regulations are different. Planning focuses on whether the development is acceptable. Building Regulations focus on safety and technical standards.
A small detached outbuilding may be exempt from Building Regulations if it is under 15m² and does not contain sleeping accommodation.
Detached outbuildings between 15m² and 30m² may also be exempt in some cases, but extra rules apply, especially if the building is close to a boundary.
If you are adding electrics, plumbing, heating, insulation or sleeping accommodation, check with Building Control before starting.
Do you need planning permission for a brick extension?
Some single-storey extensions can be built under permitted development.
As a general guide, a single-storey rear extension can usually extend:
⦿ Up to 4 metres beyond the rear wall for a detached house
⦿ Up to 3 metres beyond the rear wall for other houses
It should also be no more than 4 metres high and must not cover more than half the land around the original house.
Larger rear extensions may be possible through prior approval, which involves neighbour consultation.
You are more likely to need planning permission if your extension exceeds the permitted size limits, is on designated land, uses unsuitable materials or sits forward of the principal elevation.
Why brick choice matters
When it comes to permitted development bricks can still play an important role.
For extensions, materials often need to be similar in appearance to the existing house. That means the colour, texture, size and finish of the brickwork should be carefully considered.
A good brick match helps an extension blend in naturally. A poor match can make new work stand out, especially on older homes, semi-detached houses and properties in conservation areas.
If you’re not sure what bricks you need, our Brick Matching service can help identify and source the closest match.
What about neighbour boundaries?
Before building close to a boundary, make sure you know where the boundary line is. You may also need to consider the Party Wall Act if you are building on or near the boundary, excavating close to a neighbour’s structure or working on a shared wall.
Even when planning permission is not needed, it’s worth speaking to your neighbours early. It can help avoid confusion and keep the project running smoothly.
Should you apply for a Lawful Development Certificate?
If your project falls under permitted development, you may not need planning permission. However, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate to confirm the work is lawful.
This can be useful if your project is close to the permitted limits, you want written confirmation from the council or you may sell the property in future.
Final checks before ordering bricks
Before you start your project, check:
⦿ Whether your property is listed or in a conservation area
⦿ Whether permitted development rights apply
⦿ The height and position of any garden wall
⦿ The size, height and use of any outbuilding
⦿ Whether Building Regulations approval is needed
⦿ Whether the Party Wall Act applies
⦿ Whether your new bricks need to match existing brickwork
Need help finding the right bricks?
Whether you’re building a garden wall, extension or outbuilding, getting the right brick matters.
We can help you match existing brickwork, calculate how many bricks you need and source the best options for your project.
Start with our Brick Matching service or use our free Brick Calculator to plan your project with confidence.
