Can this be a Non material Amendment?

[J4MES99]

Hello,

I'm hoping someone could advise us on what the best course of action is, we have approved plans for a wrap around single story extension to our bungalow, we are on a sloping plot so the height difference at the back door to ground level is around 0.8m, we have the attached design approved with a raised patio and steps leading down to the garden.

We would like to change this by adding raised flower beds along the back of the house, first one at floor level, dropping by 0.4 then dropping again to ground level with steps and a pathway going through them so that we can gradually step down into the garden rather than a sheer drop.

This is the plan we would like;

We think this may be a non material amendment but are not sure, friends have said raised beds do not need permission as they are not a platform and you will not raising the ground level. We will be having steps and a ramp/pathway through the middle which will be higher than ground level so i think it needs permission.

Could anyone advise on the best course of action, the builders are due to start in 4 weeks and want to do the foundations for the steps and wall at the start of the build.

Many thanks.

 

[^woody^]

There is an implication that raised beds and building up ground could be operational development as either an engineering or other operation, and so come under planning law.

However there is the concept of as de minimis (minor impact), by way of the extent of the works and what potential harm they could create to neighbours (in terms of overlooking in this case) - which there would be none as its a path for walking down not a patio for hanging around on.

If an application to amend if free, you could apply for piece of mind. Otherwise I'd not bother as you have a very good argument that the work is not operational development, and thus no permission required.

 

[DevilDamo]

The creation of raised patios and retaining walls as shown in your example would require Planning. You have the option of submitting a Variation of Condition or revised Householder application. Both can take up to 8 weeks but the latter is usually cheaper, if not free of charge.

Get back in contact with your Planning Officer for their informal opinion.

 

[^woody^]

The creation of raised patios and retaining walls as shown in your example would require Planning. You have the option of submitting a Variation of Condition or revised Householder application. Both can take up to 8 weeks but the latter is usually cheaper, if not free of charge.

Get back in contact with your Planning Officer for their informal opinion.

Retaining walls require planning? The world was about to get up to a quiet Wednesday and you drop this bombshell?

 

[Nakajo]

I like how every drawing shows a different location and quantity of steps

 

[Captain Nemesis]

Maybe the designers name was Escher