Do you need planning permission for a pergola? In many cases, no. A garden structure like a pergola is often treated as "permitted development" in England, which means you can put it up without applying. But there are limits on height, position and how much of the garden is covered, and some homes and areas have extra rules. This guide explains the main points and how they apply to a Sunnier louvred pergola.
Please note: this is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and your local planning authority has the final say. Always check with them before you build.
The short answer
Many lightweight garden structures don't need planning permission. Whether yours does depends on where it goes, how tall it is, how close it is to a boundary, whether it's attached to the house and whether your home or area has special restrictions. If in doubt, ask your local planning authority, or apply for a lawful development certificate.
Permitted development: the main limits
The Planning Portal sets out the permitted development limits for outbuildings and other garden structures in England. A structure is generally permitted development, with no planning application needed, if it meets all of these conditions:
- Not in front of the house. No structure on land forward of the wall forming the principal elevation (usually the front of the house).
- Height near a boundary. A maximum height of 2.5 metres if it's within 2 metres of a boundary of your property.
- Overall height. Single storey, with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and a maximum overall height of 3 metres for a roof that isn't dual pitched.
- No raised platforms. No verandas, balconies or raised platforms over 0.3 metres high.
- Garden coverage. No more than half the area of land around the "original house" covered by additions or other buildings.
Source: Planning Portal: outbuildings. The government's technical guidance on householder permitted development has more detail.
Our free buyer's guide includes a placement and planning checklist you can print and tick off.
When you're more likely to need permission
- Listed buildings. Within the grounds of a listed building, any outbuilding needs planning permission.
- Designated land. In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites, structures at the side of the house need planning permission. In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites, the total area covered by structures more than 20 metres from the house is limited to 10 square metres.
- Flats and maisonettes. Householder permitted development rights apply to houses, not flats or maisonettes.
- Removed rights. A council can remove permitted development rights with an Article 4 Direction, or through a condition on the original planning permission for your home. Ask your council if you're not sure.
How this applies to a Sunnier pergola
Height
Sunnier pergolas have a standard height of 2,350 mm to the underside of the beam, and the beam is 150 mm deep. On Pergola Classic you can choose a custom height from 2,100 to 2,800 mm. If you plan to put your pergola within 2 metres of a boundary, check the overall height against the 2.5 metre limit, and consider a lower custom height on Classic if you need it.
Position
A freestanding pergola in the back garden is the simplest case. Keep it behind the front of the house, and check how much of the garden it, and any other buildings, will cover.
Wall-mounted pergolas
A pergola fixed to the house may be treated differently from a freestanding one. Check with your local planning authority before you order a wall-mounted pergola, especially if your home is listed or in a conservation area. Our guide to wall-mounted pergolas covers the practical checks.
Size
Sunnier pergolas range from 3 × 3 m to 4 × 6 m. Larger sizes cover more of the garden, so they count for more against the half-the-garden limit. See our pergola sizes guide for every footprint.
Lawful development certificates
If you're unsure whether your pergola is permitted development, you can apply to your council for a lawful development certificate. It isn't planning permission, but it confirms that the work is lawful, and it can help answer questions if you sell your home later. You can apply through the Planning Portal, and there is a fee.
Other permissions to think about
- Landlords, freeholders and management companies may need to agree before you build.
- Neighbours. It's good manners to talk to them before a structure goes up near a shared boundary.
Getting any permissions is your responsibility, and it isn't included in an installation quote. See pergola installation.
Outside England
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own planning rules. If you live outside England, check with your local planning authority before you build.
Next steps
- Decide where your pergola will go and measure the distance to each boundary.
- Choose your size and height. Our louvred pergola range shows both models.
- Check the limits above, and ask your local planning authority if you're unsure.
- Ring us free on 0808 168 3131 with any questions about sizes and heights.
Planning permission questions
Do you need planning permission for a pergola?
Often not. Many garden structures are permitted development in England if they meet limits on position, height and garden coverage. Check with your local planning authority, as rules vary.
How high can a pergola be without planning permission?
Under the permitted development limits for outbuildings in England, a structure within 2 metres of a boundary can be up to 2.5 metres high. Other limits apply elsewhere in the garden.
Do I need permission for a pergola attached to my house?
It may be treated differently from a freestanding structure. Check with your local planning authority before you order.
What if I live in a conservation area or a listed building?
Within the grounds of a listed building, any outbuilding needs planning permission. On designated land, including conservation areas, structures at the side of the house need permission. Ask your council.