Rebecca | August 27, 2024 | 0 Comments
Adding a new electric gate to your property can be a great way to enhance its curb appeal and aesthetics. Not only that, but with driveways reportedly being the most targeted parking location for car break-ins, an electric gate is also a worthwhile investment into your long-term security.
Before installing an electric gate, it is important to think about your responsibilities when it comes to Planning Permission. Quite a large majority of electric gate installations will fall into the category of ‘Permitted Development Rights’, which enable homeowners to undertake certain improvements/additionals to their properties without the need for planning permission, but there are certain criteria to consider when determining whether or not your gates fall into this category.
The most important factor in determining whether you need planning permission, is the height & location of your gates.
According to the guidance on the Planning Portal, you do not need to apply for planning permission if you wish to erect a new; or alter, maintain, improve a gate if the following conditions are met:
it is next to a highway used by vehicles (or the footpath of such a highway) and it would not exceed one metre in height (from ground level); or
it would not exceed two metres in height (from ground level) if elsewhere; or
if an existing fence, wall or gate already exceeds the limits above, that its height would not be increased.
In simpler terms, if you live on a private or unadopted road, you can erect gates up to 2 metres tall, but if your gates are situated next to a public highway or footpath, you can only erect a gate up to 1 metre tall, without seeking Planning Permission.
In the event you are replacing old/existing gates that already exceed the height limits above, you do not require planning permission, providing you are not increasing the height.
If in any way you are unsure, it is recommended that you contact your local authority to check whether planning permission is required.
If you live in a conservation area, such as an Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) a National park, a Listed Building (or within the curtilage of a listed building) then seeking Planning Permission is essential, even if your gates satisfy the criteria outlined above. This also includes if the gate forms a boundary with a neighbouring listed building. Factors that may come into play include:
The gate’s aesthetics and how this impacts the area’s character
Privacy of surrounding homes
Potential impacts on historic interest
Public Health & Safety
Your local authority will look closely at the aesthetics of the proposed gates, in order to preserve the character of the area/building and avoid compromising its integrity. With this in mind, the design & materials of your gates should closely align with the character of your property in order to satisfy your local authority.
It is important to keep in mind that rules will vary from council to council, depending on whereabouts you are based. It is advisable to consult your local authority, or visit their website, to verify the specific requirements that may apply to your area. You can find your local planning authority here.
In most cases, the answer is no. Under the Highway Act 1980, driveway gates cannot open outwards onto a public road or pavement.
If your gates are opening outwards onto private property, then this rule does not apply.
If you require your gates to open outwards, for example to overcome a sloping driveway, you could consider installing your gates further up the driveway, away from the highway/pavement. In the event that this is not possible, you could consider a sliding gate.
If you need to apply for planning permission for your new gates, you will likely need a Site Plan, a Location Plan, and the necessary Elevations to demonstrate what your new gates will look like.
Oakleigh Manor can assist with your planning application from start to finish, then move on to supplying & installing your new gates. Give our friendly team a call on 01227 750 875 to discuss your requirements.
