Planning Permission & Building Regulations Approval for Gates, Fencing & Railings

2019-04-03

Thinking about adding a new gate to the entrance of your home or perhaps you would like to give the boundary some much needed security with the addition of some metal fence panels or wrought iron railings? If this is something you are considering and would like to know more about planning permission and building regulations we recommend you keep reading below. Alternatively for the most accurate and up to date information relating to planning issues in your area we suggest you speak directly with the planning department within your local council.

Planning Permission

As per the information available on the governments Planning Portal website, planning permission will be required in the following situations.

• Where any gate, fence or railing fronts onto a public highway or footpath and is over 1000mm in height. For other parts of the property away from public space planning permission is not normally required where the height is less than 2000mm.
• If an existing planning constraint or condition is already in place where your rights to install a gate, fence or railings has been removed (such as an Article 4 agreement).
• If the property is a listed building, or is covered under the curtilage of a listed building.
• Where the new gate, fence or railings will form a boundary with a listed building.

Except from properties that fall within the boundary of a conservation area planning permission is not normally required for the removal or renovation of a gate, fence or railing provided the height of any replacements or alterations maintain the same height as the original.

Building Regulations

An application for building regulation approval is not required however it is still essential that the structure used to hang the gate or attach the fence too is of adequate strength and in a sound overall condition.

It is therefore advisable to carry out an inspection of any existing structures to make sure they are suitable for your plans as any boundary wall that collapses has the potential to cause damage / injury to members of the public.

What to look out for?

• Condition of brickwork paying special attention to crumbling bricks as this can be an indication of a weakness in the overall structure of the wall.
• Mortar pointing should be full filled with no missing areas. Damaged mortar should be chased out and repointed using an appropriate mortar mix.
• Is the wall or structure standing vertical? Damage caused by tree roots and collapsed drains can cause the brickwork to lean to one side over time as the foundations are pushed up or down.
• Does the existing wall have a sufficient thickens to provide an adequate means of support without the risk of collapse.
• Is there any previous traffic damage? If this has not been repaired properly it can leave the wall or pillar vulnerable to collapse when additional weight and stresses on applied.

Party Walls

If you have a garden wall acting as the boundary between you and your neighbours property and plan on using this to support the gate then under the Party Walls Act 1996 you have a legal obligation to make them aware of your intended plans. To find out more about the Party Wall Act and how it might relate to you visit the relevant government website.

Disclaimer

This short guide is designed to give a broad overview of the planning process in relation to gates, fencing and railings. Whilst we have tried to make it as accurate as possible it should not be relied upon as a valid source of legal information. When completing any project please be sure to seek professional advice when completing your building works or making structural alterations.