Pergolas are a beautiful way to add character to a garden, create a shaded seating area and define an outdoor space. But if your neighbour builds one close to a shared boundary, you may be wondering whether it is legally allowed to sit so near your fence.
Below, we explain the rules around building a pergola next to a boundary, including when planning permission may be required and what to do if you believe the structure breaches regulations.
Can a pergola be built next to a boundary fence?
In most cases, yes. Your neighbour can usually install a pergola without your permission, provided it meets the relevant planning requirements.
‘They can do this, provided the structure is entirely on their own land and complies with planning regulations,’ says Luke Buckland, property expert and founder of Buckland Building.
Many pergolas can be built under permitted development rights, meaning formal planning permission is often unnecessary if they meet the relevant size and height restrictions.
However, there are some circumstances where additional consent may be required before work can begin.
‘If your home is a listed building, located in a conservation area, or subject to specific planning restrictions, you may need consent before carrying out any work,’ says Kara Gammell, home insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket.
Rules can also be stricter if the structure is positioned at the front of the property or faces a public road.
What are the height rules for a pergola?
The position of a pergola in relation to a boundary is one of the biggest factors that determines how tall it can be.
‘Structures within two metres of a boundary are generally limited to two and a half metres high,’ explains Kara. ‘If it is more than two metres from a boundary, it can usually be up to three metres high.’
There are also wider permitted development rules to bear in mind. ‘As a general rule, garden buildings and structures should not take up more than 50 per cent of the land around the original house,’ Kara adds.
It should not be in front of the house (the side that faces the street), in order avoid impacting the street-facing appearance of the property.
What should I do if I think my neighbour's pergola breaks the rules?
If you're concerned that a pergola is too tall, crosses the boundary, or may have been built without the necessary permissions, it's worth checking before assuming any rules have been broken.
‘Roughly measure the height of the pergola,’ advises Luke. ‘If it appears to exceed the permitted development limits or encroaches onto your property, your local planning authority should be able to advise whether planning permission was required and whether any enforcement action may be appropriate.’
If you're planning to install your own pergola, it's worth checking exactly where your property boundary lies before any work begins. ‘The first step is to make sure it sits within your property boundary and that there are no legal restrictions on building there,’ says Kara.
A good place to start is with your HM Land Registry title plan and property deeds. These can help confirm where your boundary lies and reveal any restrictive covenants, easements or other legal restrictions that could affect what you're allowed to build.
Why it’s worth speaking to your neighbour before building a pergola
Even if a pergola is built legally, it can still affect neighbouring properties.
‘A pergola positioned on the boundary could affect privacy or natural light, particularly if it's later fitted with a roof, side panels or screening,’ says Christopher Murphy MBE, garden building specialist and founder of Dunster House.
Rather than letting concerns escalate, it is best to speak with neighbours before work starts wherever possible. ‘Taking the time to discuss plans beforehand can make a real difference,’ Christopher adds.
Most disagreements arise because expectations haven't been discussed early enough, and a simple conversation is often all that's needed to avoid unnecessary conflict.
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest
The Garden Edit
Folding Bistro Set, 3 Pieces
