If you live in Hampshire and you’re thinking about installing new driveway gates — manual or electric — planning permission can feel confusing. The rules online are vague, outdated, or completely contradictory.
This is the clear, simple 2025 guide to what the law actually says.
The Short Answer
Most new gates in Hampshire do NOT need planning permission.
But there are exceptions — and those are important.
This guide covers all of them.
When You Do Not Need Planning Permission
You do not usually need planning permission if:
1. The gates are under 2 metres (2000mm) in height
This includes:
- Wooden gates
- Steel gates
- Composite gates
- Electric gates
2. You’re installing the gates on your own property boundary
3. The gates are NOT next to a public highway over 1 metre high
When Planning Permission IS Required
1. If the gates face a public highway and are over 1 metre tall
This is the most common rule people get wrong.
If your gates sit directly on a:
- Road
- Pavement
- Footpath
- Public right of way
…and the gate pillars/gates are over 1 metre, you technically need planning permission.
2. If your property is listed
Any work to a listed building requires approval — including gates.
3. If you live in a Conservation Area and want a major change
In a Conservation Area, most standard gates are fine, but:
- Very tall gates
- Modern styles replacing old character gates
- Large sliding gates
…may require approval.
4. If you’re increasing the height of existing pillars/posts
New posts are usually fine, but replacing 1m posts with 2m+ posts can trigger planning rules.
Do Electric Gates Need Special Permission?
No.
Electric and automated gates follow the exact same rules as manual gates.
Automation does not affect planning permission.
Common Examples for Hampshire Homes
Example 1: 1.8m Iroko gates on a driveway in Southampton
No planning permission required (under 2m, not on a highway).
Example 2: Steel gates 2.1m high built onto a boundary next to a pavement in Eastleigh
Planning permission required (over 1m next to a highway).
Example 3: Sliding gate installed 3m inside the driveway in Winchester
No planning permission required (set back from public boundary).
Example 4: Listed cottage in Romsey installing new hardwood gates
Planning permission required (listed building rules).
What Happens If You Ignore Planning Permission?
Most homeowners never have an issue, but councils can:
- Request the gate height to be reduced
- Ask for a retrospective application
- In rare cases, require removal
Correct advice upfront avoids all of that.
Quick Decision Guide
| Situation | Permission Needed? |
|---|---|
| Gates under 2m high, not on a public highway | No |
| Gates over 1m high on a public highway | Yes |
| Gates over 2m high anywhere | Yes |
| Listed buildings | Yes |
| Conservation Areas (standard gates) | No |
| Electric gates | No |
Need Help Figuring It Out?
We install hardwood, steel and composite driveway gates across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire — including full electric gate automation from start to finish.
If you’re unsure whether your driveway needs permission, we can advise during your quote.
Call: 07715 944203
Email: paul@perimeterfencingandgates.co.uk