Do Pergolas Require Planning Permission?

Pergolas, with their origins in Italy, offer a timeless charm to outdoor spaces, providing a perfect blend of style, practicality, and European flair. These structures create shaded retreats and elegant extensions to your garden or patio, allowing you to relax or entertain in style. But before you start building, it’s crucial to understand whether you need planning permission. In this guide, we delve into the essentials of pergola planning permissions in the UK, exploring the conditions under which you might need approval, and how to navigate the regulations. Whether you’re envisioning a freestanding pergola or an attached extension, our expert insights will help you make informed decisions and transform your outdoor living area with confidence.

What is a Pergola?

A pergola is an outdoor structure designed to create a sheltered, shaded and inviting space in your garden or patio area. Typically, it consists of four vertical posts supporting a slatted roof, which allows sunlight to filter through, creating a beautiful mix of light and shade. For those who prefer more protection from the elements, options for closed roofs are also available. According to ADIDO, pergolas saw an impressive 82% increase in interest over the past five years, indicating a growing trend towards stylish outdoor living and al fresco spaces.

One of the remarkable things about these structures is their versatility. An attached pergola can extend your living space, seamlessly blending your indoor and outdoor areas, whereas a freestanding pergola can be placed anywhere in your garden, providing a cosy spot for relaxation and entertaining guests. The typical hollow design makes it easy to add wiring for speakers, lighting, or even heaters, transforming the space into a multifunctional area for any time of day or season. Pergolas can also serve other practical purposes, such as creating an elegant outdoor entryway, a stylish hallway, or even a dedicated outdoor workspace. Traditionally made from materials like wood, metal, or vinyl, they can be customised in size and design to suit your style and needs.

At Exterior Spaces, we craft our bespoke pergolas from durable aluminium to ensure they are not only beautiful but more importantly, built to last. Aluminium is the ideal choice for luxury outdoor fixtures, especially since they are constantly exposed to the elements. Thanks to its inherent strength, our aluminium pergolas remain stable without reacting to temperature changes, whether it’s hot or cold. Plus, because our systems are made entirely of aluminium and secured with stainless steel screws, we guarantee they won’t rust, discolour, or lose their structural integrity over time. With our pergolas, you can enjoy a stylish and resilient outdoor space year-round.

Do Pergolas Need Planning Permission?

When considering the addition to your outdoor space, one of the first questions that comes to mind is whether planning permission is required. The good news is that, in most cases, in the UK you do not need pergola planning permission. However, there are certain conditions and exceptions to be aware of that could require you to seek approval from your local planning authority.

Why Pergolas Typically Don’t Need Planning Permission

Pergolas are generally considered to be temporary because they are secured to an existing surface rather than being installed directly into the ground. This makes them easy to move or disassemble, which is why they often don’t require planning consent. However, this is not a universal rule, and certain factors such as size, location, and the status of your property (e.g., listed building or conservation area) can change this. For more details on planning permission, feel free to visit one of our showrooms and chat with our team about your options.

Key Factors That May Require Planning Permission

Under the Permitted Development Rights, the following rules must be followed:

Size, Height, and Placement Regulations

Proximity to the Boundary: 

• If it is installed within 2 metres of the boundary of your property, the maximum height allowed is 2.5 metres (8’2”).
• If it is more than 2 metres away from the boundary, the maximum height increases to 3 metres.
• For those with a pitched roof (A-shaped), the maximum height can be up to 4 metres, provided it is positioned further than 2 metres from the boundary.

Permanent Structures:

• If your pergola exceeds the height limits mentioned above, is enclosed with a roof and walls, or is intended as a permanent fixture, it may be considered an extension or outbuilding. In such cases, planning permission will likely be required.
• Additionally, if it is attached to a veranda, balcony, or raised platform, planning consent may be needed due to the increased height and potential need to comply with Building Regulations.

Land Usage:

• The pergola should not use more than 50% of the land surrounding the existing building, ensuring that the structure does not overly dominate the outdoor space.

Placement on the Property:

• Placement is crucial; pergolas are typically positioned in the back garden to avoid obstructing views or altering the house’s appearance from the street. If you plan to place the structure in your front garden, it could be seen as an obstruction, potentially leading to planning issues.
• It should not be located on the side of your house that faces a public walkway or road, as this could negatively impact the visual appeal of the surrounding area.

Special Considerations for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas

If your property is a listed building or is in a conservation area, planning permission is almost certainly required. Listed Building Consent must be obtained, and you will need approval from your local planning authority before you begin your pergola project. This is because any alteration to the appearance of the property or its surrounding gardens is heavily regulated to preserve the historical and architectural significance of the area.

Neighbour Relations

While it’s not a legal requirement, it’s always a good idea to speak with your neighbours before putting up a pergola. Open communication can help prevent disputes, and if your neighbours are content with the installation, you are less likely to face challenges that could complicate the planning process.

Explore our Range of Bespoke Pergolas

At Exterior Spaces, our company ethos has always been to bring the outside inside & to allow our customers to spend more time in their garden. Our bespoke pergolas take that ethos one step further, providing an elegant outdoor space that can be enjoyed regardless of the weather. We specialise in two types; our premium ‘Bioclimatic Pergola’ and are more cost-effective ‘Fixed Pergola’. Additionally, we offer an extensive range of colour options, sizes, and configurations to suit any style. With quality installation and a comprehensive guarantee, you can enjoy peace of mind, and a beautiful outdoor space tailored to your needs. To experience how these magnificent structures can transform your space, visit one of our showrooms and explore our expertly crafted collection up close!

Exterior Spaces Bioclimatic Pergolas

If you are looking to indulge in a deluxe option, our Bioclimatic Pergola is the perfect choice. Designed to handle the gloriously unpredictable British weather, it features an electronically operated louvered roof system that you can tilt or close as needed, creating a versatile outdoor space that is completely weatherproof.

We take pride in offering some of the finest bioclimatic pergolas available in the UK, featuring a sleek, minimalist design and industry-leading innovations. Our aluminium pergolas are completely bespoke, tailored to within 1mm of your specifications. The roof louvres are engineered to the highest standards, incorporating a built-in drainage system to ensure it remains weatherproof, even in the harshest environments. With every detail carefully concealed, from the drainage to the fixings, and the use of stainless steel screws, you can rest assured that there’s no risk of rusting.

Our bioclimatic pergolas stand out with their patented motor drive system, which is housed in a concealed gearbox, ensuring the louvres operate in complete silence. While many rely on noisy piston mechanisms, ours provide a seamless and quiet experience as the louvres open, close, and rotate—a feature that never fails to impress.

We offer a variety of luxurious accessories to enhance both the look and practicality of your outdoor space. With our bioclimatic pergolas, you’ll also get a Somfy TaHoma™ home automation system, so you can easily control the roof louvers, lighting, heating, music, and more all from an app on your phone. It’s fully compatible with any home automation platform, making it simple to connect your smart home to your outdoor living area. These features come together to create a welcoming, year-round retreat for you, your family, and your friends to enjoy.

Exterior Spaces Fixed Pergolas

A quick and easy solution that combines style and durability, our fixed pergolas are perfect for any project. Whether you prefer to handle the installation yourself or take advantage of our full installation service, they are meticulously designed to meet your needs.

Built to withstand the UK’s harshest weather, they are more than just a beautiful addition to your garden—they’re built to last. With a maximum single frame size of 20 square metres, they can cover large areas without the need for joins, making them ideal for a variety of outdoor settings, from grand bar areas to cosy patio spaces.

Available in over 200 RAL colours and unique finishes, you can match or contrast the roof and body for a standout feature. We even offer woodgrain finishes and angled designs for a truly distinctive look. Optional extras like fabric screens, frameless sliding doors, and LED lighting allow you to tailor to your exact specifications.

While our fixed pergolas share many features with our bioclimatic models, they offer a more cost-effective solution by eliminating the need for motorised roof louvres. However, you can still opt for electrical accessories or choose from non-electrical options like glass screens and aluminium shutters to upgrade your purchase.

Unlike those found in a typical garden centre, our fixed pergolas are not lightweight structures. Made from 100% aluminium, they’re exceptionally durable and designed to stand the test of time. Whether you’re looking to create a focal point in your landscaped garden or a sheltered transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, our fixed pergolas offer a practical, stylish, and cost-effective solution for maximising your outdoor living area.

Ready to Purchase Your Pergola?

Adding a pergola to your outdoor area can transform it into a beautiful, functional place for relaxation and entertainment. While they typically don’t require planning permission in the UK, it’s essential to consider factors such as size, height, and location, as well as any special conditions like listed buildings or conservation areas. By understanding the guidelines and consulting with your local planning authority if needed, you can confidently create a pergola that enhances your home.

At Exterior Spaces, we offer a range of luxury pergolas designed to suit your style and needs, ensuring a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living. As these products are still fairly new to the UK market, we strongly encourage you to visit our showroom. There, you can discuss your ideas with our team and explore our premium outdoor solutions first-hand. Whether you opt for a bioclimatic pergola with advanced features or a fixed pergola for a stylish, durable solution, we’re here to help you create the perfect outdoor living space.