Gate Repair Surrey

Do you need planning permission for electric gates?

Often not, but the rules change next to a road, at listed buildings and in some conservation areas. Here's what to check before ordering new gates.

Updated 8 November 2026 · 5 min read

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The short answer

In England, most homeowners can put up gates without planning permission under “permitted development” rights, as long as they stay within height limits and the property isn't listed. Repairing, servicing or re-motoring existing gates doesn't need permission at all.

This is a general guide, not legal advice. Your local council has the final say, so check with them before ordering new gates.

The height rule

  • Gates next to a road used by vehicles (including the pavement beside it): up to 1 metre high without permission
  • Gates elsewhere, such as further back up the drive: up to 2 metres high without permission
  • Most driveway gates sit close to the road, so the 1 metre limit is the one that usually matters. Taller gates at the entrance generally need permission.

When you'll need permission or consent

  • The house is listed: new gates within its grounds need listed building consent, whatever their height
  • The council has removed permitted development rights with an “Article 4 direction”, which some conservation areas have
  • A condition on the original planning permission (common on newer estates) restricts gates or boundary changes
  • You're creating a new vehicle entrance onto a main road. Any new dropped kerb also needs approval from Surrey County Council as the highway authority

Gates must not open over the road

Gates that open onto a road or pavement must not swing outwards over it. Driveway gates should open inwards, or slide. This also affects safety: a gate set well back from the road lets a car pull fully off the road while the gate opens.

Safety rules still apply

Planning is only about how the gate looks and where it is. Automated gates are also machines, and must be installed and checked to current safety standards (including BS EN 12453 for powered gates). A good installer handles this and gives you the paperwork.

Surrey councils

Surrey has eleven borough and district councils, and each handles planning for its own area: Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Guildford, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Tandridge, Waverley and Woking. Most have an online map showing conservation areas and listed buildings, and offer pre-application advice if you're unsure.

Questions

Do I need planning permission to replace my gate motors?

No. Repairing, servicing or replacing the motors on existing gates isn't development, so no planning permission is needed. Listed buildings are the exception if the work changes the gates' appearance.

Can I make my existing gates electric?

Usually yes without permission, because automating gates doesn't change their size or position. If the property is listed, check with the council first, as fixings and motors on historic gates or walls may need consent.

Are gates in a conservation area allowed?

Often, within the normal height limits. But some conservation areas have an Article 4 direction removing those rights, and the council will care how the gates look. Check your council's conservation area page before ordering.

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