Inspiration
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Dove Group, a trusted name in premium home improvement solutions since 1986, is excited to announce its 1st Group Open Day!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 29 2025, from 10am to 2pm, and join us for an informative and family-friendly event at our local showroom in Northamptonshire.
This special occasion will bring together experts from our diverse range of sister companies, offering attendees the opportunity to explore high-quality garage doors, electric gates, and outdoor shading solutions.
For the first time, we’ll be joined by manufacturer representatives, ensuring you receive in-depth insights into our products and services.
Why attend our open day?
Group Sales Manager Ciara Macdonald shares, “This is the first time we have a Group Open Day with the attendance of different manufacturer representatives. We aim to provide a welcoming space for all guests who are looking for a home upgrade solution with a friendly family event.”
We understand that home improvement should be accessible to all, and our Open Day is designed with everyone in mind. Whether you’re planning a home upgrade or simply curious about our offerings, we invite you to experience our products firsthand while enjoying a lively and engaging event.
What can you expect?
Bring the whole family along and make a day of it! With special activities for children and expert advice for homeowners, the Dove Group Open Day promises to be both informative and enjoyable. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to upgrade your home with trusted professionals.
We look forward to welcoming you on March 29!
Location: 6-8 Meadow Close, Ise Valley Trading Estate,
Finedon Road, Wellingborough NN8 4BH.
We welcome you and your families to come and try out the selection for yourself.
Visit our Showroom
6-8 Meadow Close, Ise Valley Industrial Estate, Finedon Road, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 4BH
Our Outdoor Living team welcome you to visit our comprehensive showroom which is one of the largest in the UK, since 1992 at the same location. We have inside and outside working models of awnings, pergolas, glass verandas, retractable canopies and umbrellas. We also have a large range of entrance and garage doors as we are part of the Dovegroup and have doors, security products and electric gates in our portfolio. Our range of products that you can use for yourself and relish in the joy of outdoor living are from our trusted, impressive manufacturers such as Markilux and Weinor.
Please call on 01933 448844 to ask about our products and our team will expertly guide you through the pages of the website to see what products we have here, and how to make the best choice. Our showroom has a lot of products to view and try but if there is something very specific it might we worth checking to make sure we have a working example or sample to see and review.If you prefer we can provide budget prices for you, via email but for this we do ask for at least one image of the area you are considering installing to so we may assess product suitability and sizing, etc. Please send us images of your home or business and some basic measurements and this will commence our email consultation!
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For an area up to 6.5m wide and up to 4m in projection, the Weinor Opal awning or Weinor Semina Life awning will be ideal. The full cassette keeps the awning protected when it is not in use and the optional drop down valance provides extra shade and privacy.
For some gardens requiring the larger awning, our Weinor I/K/N 2000 awning or Markilux 1600 can offer up to 7 metres in width and 4 metres in projection. These awnings are not only stylish but they also withstand winds up to Force 5 on the Beaufort scale.