Pergolas and Planning: Style and shade through this maze of permission
Planning permission can be a touchy subject when it comes to improving your home, whilst we always recommend checking with your local authority before erecting pergolas or any outbuildings for that matter, this guide should give you a good idea on what to expect and what planning should be required, if any, with your pergola.
Firstly, lets talk about Permitted Development Rights and how this can affect your ability to erect a pergola or any structure in your garden. Permitted Development Rights give homeowners the ability to undertake work without the need for planning permission required. It can save you time, money and most importantly stress not needing to obtain planning permission so using our aluminium pergolas as the example, if the points below all apply to your situation this should mean no planning application is needed;
- It’s not located at the front of your property – the front being defined by your front door and an invisible line crossing it horizontally to your boundary.
- It is no taller than 3m if within 2m of the boundary or 4m tall if located elsewhere
- It’s not erected on a raised deck, platform, veranda or balcony
- It doesn’t take up more than half of your gardens total space.
That said, the below points need to be considered also as regardless of the points above if any of the following apply, planning permission will need to be sought;
- You live in a Conservation Area
- You live in an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty (AONB)
- You live in a World Heritage Site
- You live in a National Park
In what circumstances do aluminium pergolas need planning permission?
Aluminium Pergolas are designed to fall within the requirements where no planning permission would be required, however, it’s always worth double checking with local authorities before building your pergola, just in case. Things to consider when installing your pergola;
- Will your new pergola impact any neighbours and their view from their property?
- Will your new pergola impact the amount of light entering your neighbours house or garden?
The less impact on your neighbours, the less likely it is to cause any headaches when it comes to local authorities turning up unannounced to inspect its location and potentially impose planning restrictions on it. You’ll also want to consider the following points which will help determine the need for potential planning permission;
- Is your property in a conservation area?
- Do you live in a listed building?
- Are you located in an area of natural beauty (AONB)?
- Where is the pergola located, front, side or rear of your property?
- How much of your garden does the pergola cover?
- What is the pergola being constructed on?
- Is the height of the area which the pergola is constructed on higher than ground level?
If none of the above points apply in your situation then it’s very unlikely you’ll need planning permission for your aluminium pergola, although as we’ve already mentioned, you may want to check with your local authority to make absolutely sure. If one or more applies then it’s likely you’ll need to obtain planning permission.
What are the height restrictions for Pergolas and Gazebos?
Our range of pergolas from Nova and Harbour Lifestyle all fall within the permitted height restrictions of 2.5m however you may need to apply for planning if you are hoping to add your pergola to a raised area of your garden (deck or patio higher then the ground at the back of the property). It’s important to remember than planning rules vary through out the UK so, again, it’s very important to check with you local authority if you’re unsure about anything.
Height restrictions do apply when constructing anything in your garden, the distance from the boundary or type of roof your structure has will have a bearing on if planning permission will be needed. Things to consider are;
- If your pergola has an A-shape pitched roof (typical of Gazebos) the maximum permitted height will be 4m.
- If your pergola is further than 2m from the boundary on any side then the maximum permitted height can be no more than 3m.
- Should your pergola sit within 2m of the boundary on any side then the maximum permitted height can be no more than 2.5m.
The bottom line of any potential structural addition to your garden is to always seek guidance from your local authority before going ahead with the work unless you are absolutely sure. This blog isn’t designed to offer legal guidance and we always recommend our customers contact the necessary people before committing to erecting any structure in their garden.
Are you looking to add a pergola to your outdoor space? We have the right option for you! We offer a range of Aluminium Pergolas, all with opening and closing roofs, available in Grey, White or even Wood Effect. We also offer Premium Aluminium Pergolas which come with either drop down side screens or LED lights, or in the case of the Harbour Lifestyle PergoSTET range, both drop down sides and LED lights.
Visit https://www.nuvooutdoorliving.co.uk/product-category/pergolas-and-parasols/ to browse and shop our range now! Or for more assistance please contact one of our friendly sales team members on 01386 718 674 or support@nuvooutdoorliving.co.uk
