Planning · Ireland
Composite Gates and Planning
Usually not. Gates up to 2 metres high at a house are exempted development under Class 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. A fence beside it in front of the house is limited to 1.2 metres, and a new or wider entrance onto a public road needs permission.
The heights, the exceptions, and how to get a definite answer. A plain-English guide, not legal advice.
Free, no obligation. One local installer prices it, not five.
- 2 ma gate without planning
- 1.2 ma front wall or fence
- Class 5of the 2001 Regulations
- €80a Section 5 declaration
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The rules, plainly
When a gate needs permission
| Job | Planning permission? |
|---|---|
| A composite gate up to 2 m in an existing opening | Usually not (Class 5) |
| A side gate between the house and a wall | Usually not, up to 2 m |
| A composite fence in front of the house over 1.2 m | Ask the council |
| A new or wider entrance onto a public road | Yes |
| An estate with open-plan front gardens | Check the estate's planning conditions |
| A protected structure | Ask the council first |
Class 5 covers "the construction, erection or alteration, within or bounding the curtilage of a house, of a gate, gateway, railing or wooden fence or a wall". The height limit is 2 m, or 1.2 m for a wall or fence in front of the house; plain concrete block walls seen from a road must be rendered and capped, and metal palisade fences aren't covered.
For a definite answer, ask your council for a Section 5 declaration: a form, site maps and an €80 fee, with a decision in about four weeks. The Regulations are on irishstatutebook.ie.
Gate types
More on composite gates
Every gate is measured and priced by the installer.
Counties
Composite gates in every county
One installer per county. Pick yours for local prices, homes and the council.
- Carlow42% semis and terraces
- Cavan29% semis and terraces
- Clare34% semis and terraces
- Cork46% semis and terraces
- Donegal26% semis and terraces
- Dublin63% semis and terraces
- Galway30% semis and terraces
- Kerry28% semis and terraces
- Kildare52% semis and terraces
- Kilkenny36% semis and terraces
- Laois40% semis and terraces
- Leitrim22% semis and terraces
- Limerick44% semis and terraces
- Longford31% semis and terraces
- Louth54% semis and terraces
- Mayo25% semis and terraces
- Meath42% semis and terraces
- Monaghan31% semis and terraces
- Offaly37% semis and terraces
- Roscommon23% semis and terraces
- Sligo35% semis and terraces
- Tipperary37% semis and terraces
- Waterford50% semis and terraces
- Westmeath38% semis and terraces
- Wexford34% semis and terraces
- Wicklow47% semis and terraces
Questions
Questions we get asked
Do I need planning permission for a composite gate?
Usually not. Gates up to 2 metres high at a house are exempted development under Class 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. A fence beside it in front of the house is limited to 1.2 metres, and a new or wider entrance onto a public road needs permission.
How high can a gate be without planning?
2 m, under Class 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001.
How high can a front fence be?
1.2 m in front of the house without planning.
Do I need planning to widen my entrance?
Yes, for a new or wider entrance onto a public road.
How do I get a definite answer?
Ask your council for a Section 5 declaration: €80 and a decision in about four weeks.
Get a free composite gate price
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