Pergolas are a beautiful and helpful construction that adds more convenience and pleasure to your life. It will convert your patio or backyard into a more comfortable place.
However, the planning permissions are sometimes difficult to follow and understand, especially in the case of pergolas. Therefore, many homeowners often ask: Is a pergola-permitted development?
So, do you need planning permission to build a pergola? What rules must you follow when constructing a pergola? Keep reading to find out!
Table of Contents
Is A Pergola Permitted Development?
The answer is yes. Pergola is a permitted development since it is a free-standing or private property in your house. However, it is best if you seek permission before constructing a pergola.
According to the planning portal provided by the government, pergolas are not considered or listed as a development. The development includes
- Building operations.
- Mining and engineering operations.
- Alterations in materials of a certain land or building.
- Subdivision or any part of a building that can be used as a dwelling house.
Meanwhile, a pergola is considered a private or free-standing property; thus it doesn’t fall into any of the categories above.
However, this is not always true, and sometimes you have to ask for permission before building a pergola.
Stay Legal
In most circumstances, a pergola serves as private property or structure in your house. For example, many small houses have a pergola as a comfortable outdoor space in their backyards.
Meanwhile, some homeowners choose to build a pergola on the house’s entrance. Restaurants and shops also build pergolas to attract customers and add more beauty to their sites.
However, if an eatery builds an outdoor dining patio sheltered by a pergola, planning permission for this construction is required.
In some cases, landowners also need planning permission to build a pergola.
Even when a pergola is built on your private land, you should comply with the local authority and your neighbors.
The building code varies in different cities and states. Therefore it’s advisable to get permission before building.
This permission may seem unnecessary, but it will help you avoid unnecessary troubles in the future. It will reassure your neighbors and eliminate any concern about your pergola in the long run.
Be Prepared
There have been cases when an owner has to cancel in the middle of a pergola construction due to the lack of permission. This unfortunate circumstance will cost time and money while bringing you tremendous frustration.
Obtaining permission is ideal for your benefit since it plays as protection for your pergola. Some premium pergola constructions can be sorted as a pool cover or a heating source.
Suppose your pergola is close to a plumbing or heating structure. In that case, it carries potential risks for fire hazards or damage to the surrounding structures. Therefore, legal permission is essential in those cases.
If you live on another person’s land or property, building a pergola on that property must have the compliance and agreement of the site’s owner. Another case is the impact of your pergola on the surrounding landscape.
If your pergola dramatically affects the surrounding view, like a patio, street, or landscape, permission is required before building. It also depends on the type, material, and size of your pergola.
Secure A Permit
To obtain planning permission for your pergola, you should submit its construction plan to the local authorities. You can also obtain permission from the city or state’s county, but the local organizations should be prioritized.
In addition, your planning permission must be approved whether it suits the safety requirements, regulations, and zoning laws. With compliance from the local authorities, you can enjoy your property with the utmost peace of mind.
Even when a planning application is not necessary, there are some other consents required for pergola constructions. The two most common are building regulations and works to protect trees.
If your pergola violates these consents or regulations, enforcement will be applied to remove your property. In this case, you won’t have your money refunded and may have to face some serious charges.
When Is The Planning Application For Your Pergola Not Necessary?
If your pergola is a free-standing property built on an undeveloped area with concrete and grass, planning permission is not required. Of course, you must be the owner of that land to carry out the decision.
Permission is also unnecessary if you want to build a small pergola that doesn’t have any significant effects on the surrounding landscapes and constructions.
But you should ensure that it meets all the safety precautions and regulations.
Which Pergola is Right for You?
So, which type of pergola design, size, and material should you choose? Where do you want to put your pergola? Follow the sections below to find out!
Choosing The Pergola
To choose a pergola, consider what purpose it’s going to serve. For instance, a free-standing pergola is ideal if you want to enjoy the fresh air and natural landscapes in your garden.
Meanwhile, if you want a comfortable space to throw BBQ parties, an attached pergola is ideal. For a free-standing pergola built in a vintage Mediterranean garden, vine-entwined wood is an excellent material.
Planning Permission For Your Pergola
Your pergola must follow the rules below to qualify for planning permission:
- The pergola mustn’t consume more than half of the space available around your house.
- Due to principal elevation, you cannot place a pergola forward of a house’s front wall.
- The pergola height must not exceed 4 meters. If you put it near the neighbor’s boundary (within two meters), the pergola’s maximum height is 3 meters.
- Adding a pergola on balconies raised platforms, or verandas are eligible.
How Close to the Boundary Can I Build a Pergola?
The further away from your neighbor’s boundary, the better. The ideal distance is 2 meters from your neighbor’s land, and your pergola cannot exceed 2,5 meters in height.
FAQs
Is It Possible To Build A Pergola Without Council UK Permit?
Yes, you can build a pergola without council approval if it meets all the safety requirements and doesn’t violate any lawful regulations. However, obtaining permission is still advisable to eliminate any potential risks of removal.
How High Can I Have A Pergola?
The standard height of pergolas falls between 8 and 12 feet. But it doesn’t count the size of your pergola’s beam or rafters, which extend its height significantly.
Meanwhile, the allowed height for a pergola is below 2,5 meters, and it cannot cover half of your land.
Can You Enclose A Pergola?
Yes, you can enclose a pergola using many methods, such as adding a roof or installing a curtain to cover the construction. It will protect the pergola from dust and moisture during the winter month.
Enclosing a pergola gives you more privacy, but it will reduce the airflow, block natural light, and increase the inner temperature. Therefore you should only enclose pergolas when they are not in use.
Why Are Pergolas Not Covered?
The primary purpose of pergolas is to provide an open space where you can enjoy the natural landscapes and fresh air.
So, most pergola constructions are not enclosed to ensure sufficient airflow.
Enclosing a pergola will block the airflow and reduce natural sunlight, thus making the space less enjoyable.
Unless it’s the middle of winter, you should always leave your pergola open.
Can A Pergola Have A Solid Roof?
Yes, you can build a solid roof for your pergola to protect it better from environmental elements like heavy rain or snow.
An aluminum or steel roof is ideal, with optimal durability and protection. If you prefer a more vintage look, consider building a wooden roof for your pergola.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the pergola is considered a permitted development because it’s a private property or structure. However, I still advise you to seek planning permission before building your pergola.
Also, be careful if your pergola can obstruct the neighbor’s house’s views and natural sunlight. Ensure that the local authority and neighbors comply with your decision to avoid any unnecessary trouble.
If you follow the requirements and safety precautions, your pergola will be fine.
I hope that the information provided in this post can help you in planning your pergola. Thank you for reading!