Do You Need Planning Permission For a Pergola?

Pergolas have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering both shade and a dedicated space for dining and hosting, while adding value to your property.

Popular among both residential and commercial properties, pergolas are an excellent investment. One of the top questions asked when people consider implementing a pergola is ‘Do pergolas need planning permission?’. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about pergola planning permission.

Do I need planning permission for a pergola​?

When it comes to implementing a pergola, planning permission isn’t required if:

  • The pergola is not larger than 50% of the land surrounding the property.
  • The pergola is not installed at the front of the house.
  • The pergola is no higher than 4 metres. If it is being installed within 2 metres of a boundary shared with neighbors, it mustn’t be higher than 3 metres.
  • The pergola isn’t added to a veranda, balcony or raised platform.

Pergola planning permission for listed buildings

For listed buildings, you will need to obtain both planning permission and listed building consent. Regulations are much stricter for listed buildings as the historical and architectural buildings need to be preserved.

When applying for planning permission and listed building consent, you will need to:

Identify whether your property is a listed building. You can check this on the Historic England website.

Contact your local council or planning authority for advice on how to obtain planning permission.

Submit your applications for planning permission and listed building consent.

If you’re looking to add a pergola to a listed building, you should consider how the design aligns with the building’s historical nature.

Pergola planning permission for a conservation area

Implementing a pergola on a conservation area will require planning permission, as it can affect the character and appearance of the area.

Your application will need to be detailed and should address the potential impact your pergola may have on the area to show you understand its effect on the surrounding area and why you believe it should be added.

How to obtain planning permission for a pergola

If planning permission is required for your pergola, you will need to:

Contact your local council or visit their website to obtain tailored advice for your project and to learn how to be granted permission.

Apply for planning permission through your local council. During this, you will need to:

  • Complete the relevant forms, provide drawings and specifications of your pergola.
  • Pay the fees for the planning application.

Applications typically take 8 weeks to be reviewed.

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FAQs

How high can a pergola be without planning permission in the UK​?

Pergolas can be a maximum of 3 metres high, or 2 metres if it is within 2 metres of a neighbour's border.

Do I need planning permission for a lean-to pergola?

Lean-to pergolas don’t usually need planning permission as long as they comply with the rules and regulations mentioned in the ‘Do I need planning permission for a pergola?’ section in this blog.