Do You Need Planning Permission for Gate Ornaments?

When you're thinking about adding decorative gateposts or gate ornaments, it's good to know that they fall under the same set of planning regulations as other boundary structures, like fences, walls, and gates. Generally, most minor additions won't require special permission, but there are specific situations where you'll need to seek formal approval.

You'll need to apply for planning permission from your local authority if you're planning to construct a new gate ornament or extend an existing one, and any of the following conditions apply to your project:

• Your proposed gate ornament will be taller than one metre and is positioned directly alongside a public highway used by vehicles (this includes any public footpaths or pavements next to the road).

• The gate ornament will exceed two metres in height in any other location on your property.

• Your local planning authority has issued an 'Article 4 Direction' – which is a special planning control – or imposed a specific planning condition that specifically removes your usual rights to build or alter boundary features such as fences, walls, and gates.

• Your property is a 'listed building', or it is situated within the curtilage (which means the land or area belonging to) a listed building.

• The gate ornament itself, or any part of the boundary it forms, shares a border with a neighbouring listed building or its associated curtilage.