Can my neighbor build a pergola next to my fence in the UK?

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In the UK, your neighbor can usually build a pergola next to the boundary fence without planning permission, but there are limits and rules that must be followed.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s allowed and when issues might arise:

一、When Can a Pergola Be Built Without Planning Permission? (Permitted Development)

Under Permitted Development Rights in England (and similar rules in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland):

1.Height Limits:

• Maximum height is 2.5 meters if within 2 meters of a boundary (like your fence).
• If the pergola is more than 2 meters from the boundary, it can be up to 4 meters high with a dual-pitched roof, or 3 meters with other types of roof.

2.Not Forward of the Principal Elevation:

• Pergolas can’t be in front of the front wall of the house facing a road (usually the front garden).

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3.Coverage:

• Total structures (like sheds, pergolas, decking etc.) must not cover more than 50% of the land around the house.

4.Design:

• It must be an open-sided structure (which a pergola usually is).
• It shouldn’t be a raised platform (e.g. decking above 30 cm can require permission).

二、What If They Violate the Rules?

• If your neighbor builds a pergola over 2.5 meters tall right next to your fence, they may need planning permission.
• If they attach it to the house, different rules may apply.
• If the pergola impacts your light/privacy significantly, you may be able to object (more below).

三、What About Building Near the Fence?

• Your neighbor can usually build right up to the boundary, unless:
  • The structure encroaches on your land.
  • It damages your fence.
  • It’s part of a party wall (different rules under the Party Wall Act 1996).

四、What Can You Do If You Have Concerns?

1. Talk to your neighbor – Often, a polite conversation can help clear things up.
2. Check with the local council’s planning department – They can confirm if planning permission was needed.
3. Report a breach – If rules are broken and no permission was granted, you can report it to the council’s planning enforcement team.

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