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Planning applications and technical drawings for garden projects

The drawings, levels and details that planning departments actually ask for.

Most garden work doesn't need permission. Some does.

Paving, planting and low-level decking are usually permitted development. Garden rooms, raised terraces, retaining walls and anything in a conservation area are a different matter — and the rules are tighter than most people expect.

We'll tell you which category you're in at the survey stage, before you've spent anything. If an application is needed, we produce the drawings for it.

WHAT YOU GET

What we produce

Site and block plans

Scaled, with levels, boundaries and the existing site recorded accurately

Elevations and sections

Showing heights, levels and how the proposal sits against neighbouring land.

3D visuals

Officers and neighbors can see what's proposed instead of reading it off a plan.

Structural input

Calculations provided by [engineer name] where a project needs them.

THE PROCESS

How it works

01

Site assessment

We survey and tell you whether you need permission at all.

1 day

02

Drawings

The full set a planning application requires.

3 days

03

Submission

[Submitted on your behalf / prepared for you to submit].

5 days

04

Determination

We answer officer queries while the application runs.

7 days

What a planning pack looks like

SITE PLAN

ELEVATION DRAWING

3D VISUAL

TESTIMONIALS

What our clients say

We’re proud to create gardens that our clients love.

“Fantastic design and renders provided for a large eco-system pond project. The team seemed to go the extra mile and have a very good eye for detail. Will use again and definitely deserve 5 stars.”

Carolyn L., Penwortham

Planning drawings from [£XXX]

Council application fees are separate and paid directly to them.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need planning permission for my garden?

Most garden work doesn’t need it. Paving, patios, planting, and decking under 300mm above ground level are usually permitted development on a normal house.

It’s more likely to be needed if you’re in a conservation area or the property is listed, if you’re building an outbuilding or garden room above certain heights, if you’re raising decking or a terrace significantly above ground level, or if you’re building a wall or fence
over the standard height limits — particularly next to a highway.

Rules vary by property and local authority, so always check with your council before committing. We’ll flag anything we think needs approval at the survey stage.

Often not, if it stays within permitted development limits — single storey, kept to the rear, within the height restrictions, and not covering more than half your garden. The limits get tighter when the building sits close to a boundary.

But permitted development rights are removed or reduced on some properties, including many in conservation areas, and on listed buildings. And a garden room with a bathroom, kitchen or sleeping accommodation is a different question again.

Check with your local planning authority before you order anything. We can produce the drawings either way.

[CLIENT TO SUPPLY — the list of drawings produced.]

We’ve found that a clear 3D visual alongside the technical drawings genuinely helps — planning officers and neighbours can both see exactly what’s proposed rather than trying to read it off a plan.

We produce the design drawings, levels and construction details. Where a project needs structural calculations — a substantial retaining wall, anything supporting a structure, anything requiring building control sign-off — those are provided by [CLIENT TO SUPPLY — name of structural engineer].

That’s the honest answer. We’d rather bring in the right person than stretch past what we’re qualified to certify.

[CLIENT TO SUPPLY — one version only, the client will confirm which.]

Planning fees are paid to the council and are separate from our fee. information.

ALSO WORTH A LOOK

Garden Design →

Garden Design Preston & Lancashire

3D Visualisation →

See the space before you commit.

Ready to start?

Tell us about your garden and we'll come and look at it.