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
Site assessment
We survey and tell you whether you need permission at all.
1 day
Drawings
The full set a planning application requires.
3 days
Submission
[Submitted on your behalf / prepared for you to submit].
5 days
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.
Do I need planning permission for a garden room?
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.
What drawings do I get for a planning application?
[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.
Do you handle structural calculations?
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.
Will you submit the application for me?
[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
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Garden Design Preston & Lancashire
3D Visualisation →
See the space before you commit.
Bespoke Construction →
What each ...
Ready to start?
Tell us about your garden and we'll come and look at it.
