Does a pergola need planning permission?

Most freestanding garden pergolas are likely fine under permitted development if they stay inside the limits below. "Likely fine" is as far as a website can go. Check with your council if in doubt, and before you build if any exception applies.

The Planning Portal position

The Planning Portal's pergola FAQ says a pergola can be permitted development provided it meets specified conditions and limits, and it points to the outbuildings rules. Those rules are in the Planning Portal outbuildings mini guide and the outbuildings planning page. This is the Class E permitted development for England. Checked 13 November 2026.

The limits that matter for a pergola

• Height near a boundary. Within 2 m of the property boundary, the whole structure should not exceed 2.5 m.
• Height elsewhere. Eaves no higher than 2.5 m. Overall no higher than 3 m, or 4 m with a dual-pitched roof. A flat, louvred or mono-pitch pergola roof is not dual-pitched.
• Not in front of the house. Not permitted development forward of the principal elevation of the original house. That is usually the front, but on a corner plot or an odd-shaped house it can be another side.
• 50% of the land. Outbuildings and other additions, including decking, raised platforms and extensions, must not cover more than 50% of the land around the original house. "Original" means as first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948. If you already have a shed, a garage and an extension, add them up. Garden Tool Storage covers sheds and other structures that count towards the same limit.
• Single storey. No living accommodation in it.
• Raised platforms. Decking or a platform under the pergola must be no higher than 0.3 m to stay within permitted development.

When the usual allowances do not apply

• Flats and maisonettes. The allowances are for houses, not flats or maisonettes.
• Listed buildings. Outbuildings in the grounds of a listed building are not permitted development. You may also need listed building consent.
• Designated land. Conservation areas, National Parks, the Broads, National Landscapes (the Planning Portal still uses the older name, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and World Heritage Sites. Outbuildings to the side of the house are not permitted development there, and in National Parks, the Broads, National Landscapes and World Heritage Sites the area more than 20 m from the house is capped at 10 m².
• Article 4 directions and planning conditions. A council can remove permitted development rights for an area or a particular house. You cannot see that from the street. Ask the council.

Freestanding versus fixed to the house

A pergola fixed to the house wall may be treated differently from a freestanding one. The Planning Portal outbuildings guide says balconies and verandas are not permitted development, and a roofed structure attached to the house can be looked at as an extension rather than an outbuilding. Whether your design is a "pergola", a "veranda" or an extension is a judgement for the council. A covered, roofed, wall-mounted design is the case to ask about first. See wall-mounted or freestanding.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ

The figures above are for England. The other nations have their own rules.

• Scotland. mygov.scot on sheds, garages and similar buildings sets out different limits, including 2.5 m for any part within 1 m of the boundary, and it expects the building to be at the back of the house. The full rules are in the Scottish Government's householder permitted development circular.
• Wales. GOV.WALES on outbuildings uses different heights for flat, single and multi-pitched roofs, and adds limits close to the house and near a highway.
• Northern Ireland. nidirect on when to apply gives the general position. Ask your council's planning office for the detail.

Building regulations are a separate question

Planning is about whether you may build it. Building regulations are about how. The Planning Portal says small outbuildings may be exempt depending on size, use and location. Anything fixed to the house, any opening into the house and any new electrical circuit can bring building regulations in. Electrics are covered in motorised roofs and Part P.

If you are not sure

1. Run your height and boundary distance through the planner.
2. Read the council's own householder guidance and check for an Article 4 direction or conservation area.
3. Ask the council for informal advice, or apply for a Lawful Development Certificate if you want it in writing.

Does a pergola count towards the 50% limit?

The Planning Portal counts outbuildings and other additions, including decking and raised platforms, towards the 50%. A pergola assessed as an outbuilding will count. If you are close to the limit, ask the council.

Is a pergola next to the fence a problem?

Within 2 m of a boundary, keep the whole thing at or below 2.5 m. Check the drawing: a louvred roof with a gutter can be taller than the advertised post height.

Can I put a pergola at the front of the house?

Not under the outbuilding allowances: they do not cover anything forward of the principal elevation. Ask the council.