Electric gates make a property look and feel more secure, but many people worry that they will need a planning application before anything can be installed. In many cases they do not. In others they do, and finding out the hard way can be expensive. Here is how the rules work in England.
The general rule
Gates, fences and walls are normally “permitted development”, which means you can build them without applying for planning permission, provided they stay within certain limits. For a new gate, the usual limits are:
- 1 metre in height if it is next to a highway used by vehicles (including the pavement beside it), or
- 2 metres in height elsewhere.
Most solid or tall front gates alongside a public road go over the 1 metre limit, so they often do need permission.
The automation
The motor and control equipment are generally not the planning issue. It is the gate itself, its height, position and appearance, that planners consider.
When the permitted development rights do not apply
- Listed buildings: a gate within the grounds of a listed building may need planning and listed building consent.
- Conservation areas: extra controls and sometimes tighter limits apply.
- Article 4 directions: some councils remove permitted development rights in a specific area.
- Planning conditions: many newer housing estates have a condition removing rights to put up gates or fences at the front.
- Flats and leasehold properties: permitted development rights are different, and you may need the freeholder’s consent.
- Commercial sites: business premises can have different rights, and many need approval.
Highway and safety considerations
- Gates should not open outwards over a pavement or road.
- Visibility for vehicles pulling out of the driveway matters, and the setback from the road can be a condition.
- Some roads, such as classified roads, have additional rules for vehicle access.
- Powered gates must be installed with proper safety devices, which we cover in our guide to cost and servicing.
How to check before you buy
- Measure the height you want and where the gate will sit.
- Check whether the property is listed, in a conservation area or subject to conditions on the original planning permission.
- Ask your local planning authority, or apply for a lawful development certificate if you want written confirmation.
- Confirm any requirements from the highway authority or your landlord.
What if I need permission?
A householder planning application normally takes several weeks and has a fee. It is much cheaper to find out early than to take down a gate that has been put up without consent. Your installer should be able to advise on the design and help prepare drawings if an application is needed.
We design and install gates to suit your property and the planning position. Take a look at our gates and bollards service, or call 01296 614440.
Frequently asked questions
Do electric gates need planning permission?
Often not, if they stay within the height limits: up to 1 metre next to a road used by vehicles, or up to 2 metres elsewhere. Exceptions such as listed buildings, conservation areas, Article 4 directions and planning conditions can change that.
Can gates open outwards onto the road?
Councils and highway authorities normally expect gates not to swing out over the pavement or road, so most driveway gates open inwards or slide. Your local authority can confirm.
Do the same rules apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
No. These notes describe the position in England. The other nations have their own planning rules, so check with the local planning authority.