Daddydog99

Thanks again Temp for your advice and knowledge, really appreciated.

Thanks ProDave and Temp for your advice. I can't find if there was any permission granted to any of the previous owners as the house was a repossession when we bought it and nothing shows on the Planning Portal that I can find. Google Earth, although a bit unclear, does show a structure in place back in 2009 and also 2005 (even more grainy). I do have photos from back in 2009 showing the decking, so I think I have enough proof that its been there for over 10 years. I'm just a little cautious about seeking a Certificate of Lawful Development, might I be "poking the hornets nest" so to speak? ProDave, you mention that it has gone past the date for enforced removal, do you have a bit more detail on this. Thanks.

Hi all, I know this topic has been somewhat covered about a year ago, but the previous topic did not quite fit my circumstances... We bought our house 13 years ago with raised decking that goes right across the back of the house and extends out by about 3.5m. I’m looking to replace it with a similar structure (due to timbers starting to perish) and mentioned it to one of my adjacent neighbours who commented “how did the deck get planning permission in the first place”. Okay, now here’s the nub of my question: Our house is built on a reasonably steep slope, the slope descending from front to back of the house. The front of our house at ground floor level is below our front garden boundary and the back of our house at ground floor level is way above the back garden. As with other houses on our road (including both neighbours either side), there are steps from the back door down to the garden some 1.3m below. Consequently, the decking has been built starting at the same height above the ground across the back of our house and extends out by about 3.5m. At the furthest point away from the house the decking is about 1.5m above ground. I have done some reading on the regs and know generally decking should be no more than 30cm above ground at the highest point adjacent to the house to safeguard neighbours privacy etc. Have also read this guidance, but not clear as my ground floor level is so far above the actual ground itself - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/830643/190910_Tech_Guide_for_publishing.pdf . I would point out that because of the steep slope, you can already see into neighbours gardens to a great degree from existing downstairs windows and from the original back steps. Any thoughts on where I stand legally in respect of planning permission in case things turn bad with the neighbour? Thanks