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High quality standard and bespoke outdoor living products designed to create additional beautiful outdoor space protected from the often great, but extremely variable British weather.
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With Us TodaySamson Awnings offer a vast range of fixed or Retractable Awnings, commercial Retractable Canopies, Glassrooms, Parasols, External Vertical Blinds and Freestanding Structures to protect from the UK weather and extend the use of your outdoor space all year round.
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Do pergolas require planning permission?
Whether you’d like to create an outdoor sanctuary or simply provide sun shade and UV protection during a family gathering meal, a pergola structure can bring your vision to life as well as offer an all-season oasis, even with British weather. However, one of the most common questions we usually receive is that if a pergola installation needs planning permission?
In short, most pergolas do not require planning permission. However, there are a few exceptions. In this article, we will go over the requirements for pergolas to help you decide whether you need a planning permission.
WHAT SIZE ARE YOU CHOOSING?
The size and type of pergolas will affect if you need planning permissions. If your pergola is small, standard sized designed for residential gardens, it should be fine.
Following the general rule from 1st October 2008*, pergolas and other garden structures are generally exempt from seeking planning approval as long as the following requirements are met:
1. No structure forward of the principal elevation fronting a highway.
2. It must be one story, with a maximum eave’s height of 2.5 metres and a total height of no more than or equal to 4 metres for a pitched roof or 3 metres for any other type of roof.
3. The maximum height can be more than 2.5 metres within 2 metres of a boundary.
Planning permission is probably required if the pergola you expect is larger than these and enclosed by walls and a roof. This is due to the fact that it can be considered as an expansion of your property. However this a very grey area in terms of whether the structure is a ‘temporary’ structure or not. All these pergola systems are designed for outdoor use and do not require foundations as used in normal domestic house building or indeed damp proof floors and building control sign off.
DO YOU LIVE IN A CONSERVATION AREA?
You will most likely need planning approval if you live in a conservation area or if the structures will be built on the side of your house between the house and the boundary. Both conservation areas and the side spaces between homes are locations where councils want to strictly control development, therefore, a pergola would probably need approval first.
Similarity, if your property is a designated listed building, you will need planning authorization. To maintain the historical integrity of a listed building, permission is required for any external changes. Pergola installation would be subject to listed building rules since it would be considered an external change.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PERGOLA FOR YOUR GARDEN
The word and definition of ‘pergola’ has significantly evolved in the last five years in the UK.
Originally we only ever heard the term referring to a timber structure used in gardens and terraces for light sun shade and growing various climbing plants up and along the roof beams. It defined an outdoor seating area for relaxing and enjoying outdoors
Now however, whilst the intended purpose may be similar, the term ‘Pergola’ refers to various aluminium and steel structures with integrated fixed or retractable roof systems which can offer far greater performance. These can be structures with awning fabrics, triple layered waterproof fabrics, rotating aluminium blades and even glass. With their intended use, they have effectively become more like the definition of a ‘gazebo’ for their function.
Pergolas in 2025 are being used to create defined outdoor spaces with either sun shade or rain protection or both of course, with even further weather protection from infilling one or more sides of the structure..So, which pergola is right for you?
Basic Sun Shade
A wide range of sloping or flat roof structure pergolas with retractable, outdoor specification fabrics. The most basic systems just slide back and forth with a pulley system and can be manual or electric operated.Sun Shade and Light Rain
More advanced pergola systems, with far higher wind ratings, operate in and out of a closed cassette under great tension and some models will be zipped into the side channels for 4 sided fabric tension.. This tension provides greater wind ratings and also ensures when used in rain the weight of the rainwater doesn’t sag the fabric and cause water pooling and damage on the cover.Sun and Rain (with wind protection options)
Many systems exist for rain protection, with and without built in rainwater guttering.
The structures are usually stronger and can also incorporate additional products to the sides for protection against wind and driving rain.
Fabric roof systems retract where louvre bladed systems generally do not, although there are some models which do retract to expose around 80% open clear roof.
Think carefully on louvre bladed systems as when being used for rain protection they are totally closed and act like a blackout blind blocking all natural light, where fabric roof systems can let good level of light through special fabrics designed for this purpose whilst still 100% waterproof. This can make the area underneath very pleasant or very dark.There are many other options with bespoke shapes and functionality and the larger you go the more likely planning permission would be required.
At Samson Outdoor Living, we complete a full comprehensive survey for our customer before adding a pergola, making sure it complies with local planning permission rules. The right pergola is not just about style and function – it also needs to meet height, size and placement regulations to avoid potential issues. Thus, if you have any questions, contact us today so we can help you choose a pergola that aligns with planning guidelines and keeps your project hassle-free.
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Markilux Markant
Come along and visit our showroom at your convenience, parking is free and adjacent, and we will offer you a hot drink!
Wellingborough Northamptonshire, NN8 4BH
The markilux Markant on display with a recent installation here at our showroom.
Benefit now from more clients sitting down or being barflowers in your venue!
Make the most of uncovered or unused outdoor space, this beautiful installation is suitable for education, bars, restaurants, cafes, clubs, retail, sports venues and hotels. Profit from the extra space created, extra seating provided, extra revenue per year!
Comfort, beautiful aesthetics, ambient atmosphere, all year round space!
More space = more sales – people are drawn outside, they want to enjoy the light, fresh air and space.
Benefit from this strong trend and create an attractive outdoor area using products that offer all year round protection. The advantage: your guests can stay outdoors for longer, even in not-so-mild winters. Increase your dining space and your sales as a result!
By extending your hospitality you will attract more customers, protect guests from weather, enhance business branding. Ask us about placing your logo on this product.
Come and see it for yourself.
Book a survey at your convenience by calling 01933 448 844
Markant stands proudly on 4 posts covering an area of 6m x 6m, or 36m²
For an area of 36m² prices starts at £14k excluding VAT excluding Installation.
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Shading solutions to gain privacy from neighbours
Spring is practically knocking on our door and most of us can’t wait to spend more time outside taking in the sun and gardens. Though spending time outdoors is beneficial to our wellbeing, it may be uncomfortable if we feel like we are being watched. But don’t worry, we are putting a list of the best outdoor product options to help you restore your privacy while enhancing the appearance of your outdoor space.
1.Put up a pergola
Pergolas are outdoor structures with a roof and supporting posts that can be bespoke to suit various styles and house designs. Moreover, if you opted for high quality pergolas like Markilux or Weinor, the pergolas can even be resistant to wind speeds of up to 30mph and safe to use when it rains. Since pergola are largely open, they are one of our recommended products to block a neighbour’s view because they can be adapted to include stat walls and stylish, secluded seating.
2. Invite stylish privacy with a parasol
Parasols are another great option to block a neighbour’s view. They are perfect for lovely cottage garden designs that seek solitude and shade. In addition, garden parasols will be extremely helpful for those hot summer days because they can be moved about as needed to offer shade in multiple locations. Parasols are a far more adaptable way to block your neighbour’s view than a permanent structure because they are so easy to pull down and store when not in use and come in a number of different sizes and styles. Another advantage of a parasol is short turnaround time, unlike a pergola or other structures that require a 4-6 week lead time.
At Samson Outdoor Living, our parasol ranges can be delivered within a week depending on stock availability. Therefore, if you are planning for an upcoming outdoor Easter party and want to add extra shade, you can consider our parasol ranges to enjoy your quality time with your families.
3. Add an awning for shade and seclusion
An awning is a supporting structure that can be fixed to the side of your home and extended outwards when needed. A garden awning is an easy way to block your neighbour’s view, especially if you neighbours overlook you from above.
To enhance extra privacy, we suggested you consider drop down valance or blind side which are available in most of awning ranges. The drop down valance easily screens off the front to add extra shade whenever the sun is a little too bright or shinning low in the sky.
Creating personal space in your garden does not have to be stressful or complicated. With some suggested solutions above, you can now limit your neighbour’s views in a stylish and efficient way. This simple touch turns your patio into a sanctuary where you can relax without worrying about being seen.
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If you have any questions regarding to outdoor shading solutions, feel free to contact us today and speak with our expert team:
