Do You Need Planning Permission for a Side Gate?

Let’s be honest - no one likes dealing with planning permission. It eats up hours of your time, requires never-ending paperwork, and to top it off, figuring out what actually needs planning permission and what doesn't is just plain confusing.

Skipping planning permission when you should've applied for it can land you in hot water with unlimited fines or even prison time, so it's essential to know what you need before diving into any changes to your home, no matter how big or small.

If you're thinking about adding or replacing a side gate for your home, you might be wondering if you need to get planning permission first. It's a valid question; side gates often open onto public property, so there could be different regulations to consider compared to other parts of your house.

At Wooden Gate Makers, we have decades of experience crafting and installing premium gates in all shapes and designs. Here, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about securing planning permission for your new gate.

Generally speaking, you won't need to get planning permission for a side gate if it adheres to the following conditions:

• The gate is under 1 metre in height (approximately) and opens onto a road or footpath.

• It's under 2 metres in height (approximately) and doesn't open onto a road or footpath.

• It serves as a replacement for an existing gate of the same height or less.

• It has no impact on listed buildings or their surroundings.

• It has no implications for protected areas such as conservation zones.

• The right to install or modify gates hasn't been revoked by an article four direction or a planning condition.

However, you may need planning permission if:

• The gate exceeds the specified height limits.

• It’s located in a listed building or its surroundings.

• It’s situated in a conservation area.

• It significantly alters the character of the surrounding area.

• The installation requires digging foundations or substantial construction work.

If you're not sure whether you need planning permission based on the criteria mentioned above, you may want to double-check with your local building authority - it's always better to be safe than sorry!

Once you've figured out whether you need planning permission for your new gate, there are a couple of other things you can do before moving forward with the installation. These steps will make sure everything goes smoothly and stress-free:

• Talk to your neighbours. If your side gate will affect their property in any way, give them a heads-up and ask if they have any concerns. This way, you can avoid any potential disagreements or issues down the line.

• Measure the opening. By accurately measuring the width and height of the gate opening, you can determine the size of the gate you need. Make sure to leave some clearance for the gate to swing or slide open without obstruction.

• Prepare the site. Clear away any debris or obstacles around the gate opening, and make sure the ground is level to prevent any issues with the gate's operation.

• Choose a reputable company to supply your gate. Sourcing your gate from a trusted, experienced company with a proven track record will ensure your gate is high quality and built to last.

By following these guidelines, you can be sure that you're installing your new side gate in the right way and avoiding any potential problems down the line.

Now that you've got a good idea of what to do before investing in a new side gate, there’s only one step left to take - reaching out to the team at Wooden Gate Makers!

Based in Dorset, we work closely with you to choose the perfect softwood or hardwood for your side gate, as well as a design that blends seamlessly with your property. We’ll then handcraft it to the exact dimensions you provide us with. The end result is a beautiful, long-lasting gate that will enhance your property for decades to come.

We provide a full fitting service in Dorset and the surrounding area, as well as supply-only options for the rest of the UK. If you're ready to kick things off, get a quote online or give us a call on 01202 670770 today!