Good news first: most electric gates on houses don't need planning permission. But there are a few situations where they do, and it's much better to know before the gates go up than after.
Please note: this is general guidance from our experience, not legal advice. Your local council's planning team has the final say.
The rules in England
In Carlisle and the rest of Cumbria, small works like gates, walls and fences are covered by "permitted development" rules in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. As a general rule:
- gates, walls and fences next to a road used by vehicles (or a footpath beside one) can be up to 1 metre high without permission
- elsewhere, up to 2 metres
Planning Permission for Automatic Gates
Most automatic gates on houses don't need planning permission, as long as they stay within the permitted height limits. In England that's generally 1 metre next to a road used by vehicles and 2 metres elsewhere.
Over the border in Scotland the limits are similar: up to 1 metre within 20 metres of a road and 2 metres elsewhere.
Adding motors to gates you already have doesn't usually need permission on its own.
When Electric Gates Need Consent in Cumbria
Listed buildings, conservation areas and national parks, including parts of the Lake District, have extra controls, and new or widened entrances onto a road may need consent from the planning and highways authorities.
We'll flag anything that might need permission when we visit and design the gates to stay within the rules where possible.
If you do need to apply, we can provide drawings and details of the gates and automation for your application.
The rules in Scotland
Over the border in Dumfries and Galloway, the Scottish rules are similar: as a general rule, up to 1 metre within 20 metres of a road, and up to 2 metres elsewhere.
In both countries, the height includes the posts or pillars. Go above the limits and you'll normally need to apply.
When you'll probably need permission
- Taller gates than the permitted limits, especially next to the road
- Listed buildings – any changes normally need listed building consent
- Conservation areas, national parks and some other protected areas – extra controls can apply, including in the Lake District
- New or altered access onto a road – creating a new entrance, widening one, or anything onto a main road may need planning permission and input from the highways authority
- New housing developments – some have conditions that remove permitted development rights, or covenants on what you can build
Other things to check
- Gates opening over the footpath or road. They shouldn't. Gates should open inwards, or slide.
- Sight lines. You need a safe view of the road when you drive out. Solid gates and walls right at the road edge can block it.
- Shared driveways. Get the agreement of everyone who uses it, in writing.
- Your deeds. Some properties have covenants on boundaries.
What we do
We'll flag anything that looks like it might need permission when we visit, and design the gates to fit within the rules where possible. If you do need to apply, we can give you the drawings and details of the gates and automation for your application.
Not sure?
Give your council's planning team a call – Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council or Dumfries and Galloway Council, depending on where you live. Or call or WhatsApp Adrian on 07854 037752 and we'll tell you what we'd check.
Questions people ask me
Do I need planning permission for electric gates?
Normally not, if they're within the height limits and your property isn't listed or in a conservation area.
How high can gates be at the front of my house?
Next to a road, up to 1 metre without permission, as a general rule. Check with your council for your property.
Does adding a motor to existing gates need permission?
Automating gates you already have doesn't normally need planning permission on its own.