One of the first questions most people ask before ordering a pergola is whether they'll need planning permission. The honest answer is: it depends — but the general rules are worth understanding before you start.
When permitted development usually covers you
In England, many garden structures — including pergolas — fall under what's called "permitted development," meaning you can build them without a separate planning application, provided you stay within certain limits. These commonly include restrictions on how much of your garden can be covered by structures in total, how close to your boundary you can build, and how tall the structure is, particularly if it's within a set distance of a boundary. Free-standing, open-sided structures like pergolas are often looked upon more favourably than fully enclosed buildings, but "often" isn't the same as "always."
Where it gets more complicated
Permitted development rights are reduced or removed entirely in some situations — listed buildings, conservation areas, and properties where planning conditions or an Article 4 direction already apply are the most common examples. Flats and maisonettes generally don't have the same permitted development rights as houses at all. If any of these apply to your property, you should assume you need to check before building, not after.
Size and height limits to be aware of
Height limits generally apply, and they can be stricter the closer a structure sits to a boundary. There are also usually rules about the total area of outbuildings and garden structures you're allowed relative to your garden's original size. These numbers vary and are the kind of detail worth confirming for your specific property rather than assuming from a general guide — rules differ enough between local authorities and property types that a five-minute check can save a costly mistake.
When to get a proper check done
If you're anywhere near the edges of what permitted development allows — a larger pergola, a boundary that's close, or a property in a conservation area — it's worth getting a proper assessment rather than guessing. Our sister company, Plan Pros, prepares planning drawing packs and can assess your permitted development eligibility as part of that process, giving you a clear answer and the paperwork to back it up if you do need to apply.
Not sure where you stand? Get in touch with our team and we'll point you in the right direction.