Who doesn’t love spending long, lazy days in the garden? With an aluminium pergola, you can lounge, dine and relax from morning to night. But if you’re planning to embrace indoor-outdoor living, do you need planning permission for your pergola?
Why your garden needs a pergola
Think of a pergola as an outdoor room in your garden. Even a 3m x 3m structure makes a shady space to enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine. Better yet, your pergola protects against those inevitable summer showers, so everyone can enjoy outdoor living from early birds to night owls.
What’s more, adding a pergola can boost the value of your property. Freestanding structures and wall mounted pergolas are highly desirable for potential buyers, making your home stand out from the competition. Lightweight and easy to install, they’re a fantastic way to transform your outdoor space.
What is the difference between a pergola and a pergoda?
Pergolas and pergodas are similar structures, designed to create shade and make a fantastic focal point for your outdoor space. The key difference is that pergodas have solid roofs, while aluminium pergolas have controllable bioclimatic roofs, allowing you to control the degree of shade and ventilation for the perfect ambience.
The big question: Do you need planning permission for a pergola?
Pergolas have skyrocketed in popularity in the UK as we increasingly embrace living with nature. But can you install and forget, or do you need to consider planning permission for your outdoor structure?
For the majority of installations, the answer is no. Planning permission isn’t required to start enjoying all the benefits of your pergola. In most cases, you’re covered by permitted development rights.
The first rule of pergola installation is to ensure you don’t displease your neighbours. You could quickly fall foul of planning regulations. Once you’ve found a location you love and that doesn’t block their view or light, you need to ask yourself:
- Does my pergola cover more than 50% of my outdoor space?
- Do I live in a conservation area or a listed building?
- Will my pergola be installed on a balcony or deck?
- Do I want to build a pergola on the front or side of my property?
If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, you’ll need to seek planning permission.
How big can I build a pergola without planning permission?
Height restrictions usually apply to garden structures, and your pergola is no different. In a nutshell, these are the maximum heights for your aluminium pergola:
- 2.5m within 2m of the boundary
- 3m if it’s further than 2m from the boundary
As a rule of thumb, the further your pergola is from the boundary fence or hedge, the better. Our stylish wall mounted and freestanding aluminium pergolas are 2.5m high, so they fall within permitted development rights.
Can I put a pergola on my patio?
A pergola is a fantastic addition to a patio, provided it can take the weight. In fact, an elegant pergola makes a stunning addition to any outdoor terrace.
But you may need planning permission if you want to install your pergola on a deck, as adding another structure will exceed permitted development height restrictions. Check with your local planning department if this is the case.
Can you install a pergola next to a fence?
In 99% of cases, you can build a freestanding pergola next to a fence, provided your structure is under 2.5m tall. You’ll need to adhere to the 2.5m rule if you want to install your pergola within 2m of the boundary fence as well.
Do I need planning permission for a pergola in my front garden?
Yes, you do, and here’s why: Adding a pergola to the front of your property changes its appearance and can impact sightlines from other buildings.
It’s a good idea to speak to your neighbours if you’re planning a front garden pergola. Additionally, it’s essential to check with your local authority before making any changes to the street-facing aspect of your home.
How do I secure planning permission for a pergola?
If your pergola falls under permitted development rights, congratulations – you’re just hours away from enjoying a fabulous al fresco lifestyle.
Otherwise, you’ll need to contact your local planning authority and apply through the Planning Portal. You’ll typically have a decision within eight weeks.
Enjoy indoor-outdoor living with an aluminium pergola from Artificial Grass Direct
Our stylish aluminium pergolas are designed to meet permitted development rights, no matter where you install them. Available in a variety of sizes, including 4m x 3m and 6m x 3m, there’s a pergola suitable for every garden. We also provide heaters, screens, and LED lighting to create a welcoming and enjoyable space to spend time.
Explore our full pergola range and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
