Garden ponds don't usually require planning permission. But in many other cases, you may need planning permission.
If the pond:
- involves engineering operations
- is a change of use of the land e.g. from agriculture to nature conservation or recreation
- may affect highways or properties
- may affect important wildlife/archaeological sites
- may affect floodplains or other sites and
- in the flight path of an airport and could increase the risk of bird strike
then you may need planning permission.
The planning process is important because it allows all the necessary checks and considerations to be made to ensure the pond doesn't cause any problems.
If you are planning a new pond, talk to your local planning authority, and budget for planning fees and the cost of getting plans drawn up.
If you don't need planning permission, you should still check that the work won't interfere with archaeological sites, utilities (water, electricity, gas or drains), roads and footpaths, wildlife interest or waterways.
