Everything You Need to Know 

Are you planning to add metal railings to your property? Then you will probably have one question on your mind: do you need planning permission? It’s always best to be sure of where you stand legally before you make any changes to your property – and here is everything you need to know! We’ll also talk about the importance of working with a team who has plenty of experience when it comes to the design and installation of metal fencing & railings.

Rules for an average building project

The good news is that for your average residential or commercial project, planning permission isn’t needed! Metal fencing and railings are such a great way of adding privacy and definition to your outdoor space, and they can be customised to suit a huge range of building styles. When finished to withstand the elements, they can also stand up to everything the weather has in store with very little need for maintenance.

Are there any height restrictions?

There are, yes. If your fence or railings are over 1 metre tall and they are going to be installed next to a public highway or footpath, then you will need to seek permission. For other areas of your property, such as your garden, you only need to get permission if the fence or railings are set to be more than 2 metres tall.

If you want to add metal railings to a balcony, then there are minimum height requirements that you need to meet. Any guardrails on internal stairs and landings need to be 0.9 m high, while railings on external balconies or roof terraces need to be a minimum of 1.1 m. This is a building regulations matter rather than planning permission, but it’s best to be sure!

Listed properties

If you want to add railings or fencing to a listed property or one that is located in a conservation era, then you may need to apply for planning permission. It’s always better to get in touch with your local authority to check first, as any unauthorised changes may need to be torn down. So don’t go ahead with any work until you have the all clear to do so!

Choosing a great team

If you are going to add metal fencing or railings to your property, then it is really important to work with a trusted team. Not only will they be able to come up with solutions that perfectly match your vision, but they will also know how to work in line with any regulations or planning permission criteria. If you are working on an older property, they will be able to deliver period-accurate fencing and railings.

What to do next

So there you have it – everything you need to know about fencing, railings and planning permission! Why not get in touch with a specialist in the field today to see how you could transform your property?