Although pergola planning permission is not required in the majority of cases, it’s useful to know the rules that must be adhered to just in case. Failure to comply with local council planning rules could result in you having to take down your pergola, which is the last thing you want if you’ve just paid thousands to have it installed.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about pergola planning permission to set your mind at ease and allow you to enjoy your new outdoor structure without worry.
Looking to transform your outdoor space? Explore Open Space Concepts’ range of bespoke modern pergolas and spend more time outdoors, no matter the weather.
Pergola planning permission: Everything you need to know
Typically, pergolas do not require planning permission. Under the Permitted Development Rights, you can put up a pergola without planning permission as long as:
- It doesn’t use more than 50% of the land surrounding your house
- It’s not installed at the front of your house
- It’s no higher than four metres, or three metres if you’re installing it within two metres of the boundary you share with a neighbour
- It’s not added to a veranda, balcony, or raised platform
It’s important that you bear these rules in mind when planning any sort of installation work on the grounds of your property.
If your metal pergola structure is going to breach any of these rules, it’s likely that you will need to obtain planning permission from your local council.
What height restrictions apply to installing a pergola?
Generally speaking, the further away your pergola is from the boundary of your property, the higher it can be.
- If your pergola is within 2m of the boundary, the maximum height must be no more than 2.5m
- If your pergola is further than 2m from the boundary, the height of your pergola can be 3m
- A pitched-roof structure (an A-shaped roof) can be no more than 4m high
Will the location of my house have an impact on planning permission?
There are certain areas where the Permitted Development Rights are more strict. This may apply to you if you live in:
- A Conservation Area
- A National Park
- An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- A World Heritage Site
- The Norfolk or Suffolk Broads
If in doubt, you should contact your local planning authority to discuss your pergola project before any work begins. They will be able to inform you of any reason why the installation may not be permitted and whether you will need to apply for planning permission.
Pergola planning permission for listed buildings
If your property is a listed building, you will always need planning permission. As well as planning permission, Listed Building Consent must be obtained for any installation that could affect a listed building’s character as a building of architectural or historical interest.
If you are unsure whether your property is a listed building, or want to confirm the permissions required to add a pergola to your listed building, your local planning authority will be able to advise you further.
How do I apply for planning permission?
If you think planning permission is required for your pergola, there are several things to consider before applying:
- Have you checked if planning permission is needed? You can do this by contacting your local planning authority through your local council. In most cases, planning permission is not required for a pergola.
- Do you know what you need to supply with your application? The planning authority will expect a series of accurate drawings and plans that clearly show what you are proposing.
- Are you aware of the cost? Applying for planning permission comes with a fee, which varies from project to project. Use the planning fee calculator to work out how much you will need to pay.
If you decide to proceed having considered the above, you can apply for planning permission via the national Planning Portal website.
Your application will then be sent to your local planning authority, who will decide if you can go ahead with the construction of your pergola. They will look at a number of factors when making their decision, including how the construction will affect the local area, environment, and other people.
You will typically receive a decision within eight weeks of submitting your application.
Get your bespoke pergola project underway today
At Open Space Concepts, we’re proud to be one of the UK’s most trusted outdoor living companies. We’ve installed hundreds of contemporary pergolas for customers up and down the country, and our ‘excellent’ Trustpilot rating speaks for itself.
Our structures rarely require planning permission, but if yours does, we’ll draw up comprehensive plans and support you every step of the way to make sure your project has the best possible chance of getting approved.
To make an enquiry, fill out our online contact form or give us a call on 0808 168 0043.
