Maybe stupid but I need to ask...
 

I have a low wall along the edge of my front garden that edges onto a public path. I want to knock half down when getting the driveway done to make the drive wider and add a patio / path to the front door and side gate.

Just wondering if I have to inform the council etc?

I know it's a silly question but I ask as when my sister sold her house years ago she said she had to plant a tree in the front garden to replace the one she removed that was there when she purchased the house.

Or can I dO what I want with my house, within reason?

You will not need to apply for planning permission to take down a fence, wall,or gate, or to alter, maintain or improve an existing fence, wall or gate (no matter how high) if you don't increase its height. In a conservation area, however, you might need conservation area consent to take down a fence, wall or gate.


http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/per...ceswallsgates/

Could the wall be considered as essential to protect people on the path from vehicles using your drive?

I don't think so. it is joined to the neighbours wall that goes the length of our front gardens (even though we are detached)

We are thinking if we can reduce the lengeth of it we can put a path directly to the front door as aposed going left onto the drive and out. - Every one goes straigh across the grass currently.

No.

Safest thing is to ring up the planning section of your council and ask.

Les