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Do You Need Planning Permission For Bollards?

Bollards are an excellent way to prevent unauthorised vehicle access. Allowing pedestrians to pass through, they block the way of cars, vans, and other vehicles. You’ll find bollards in both commercial settings — from shopping centre car parks and train stations to high-security government buildings — as well as residential areas.

However, before you go ahead and install your fixed or rising bollards, it’s important to know whether or not you need planning permission. When making any additions or alterations to a property or land, planning permission is a vital consideration. Some changes come under ‘permitted development’, while others require a planning application.

Without the right level of authorisation, you could face fines and have to remove the structure in question. So the question is: do you need planning permission for bollards, or do they count as permitted development?


Do You Need Planning Permission For Bollards In Commercial Settings?


Security bollards can be a worthwhile addition to many business premises, offering protection against accidental and intentional vehicle damage. Rising bollards are also ideal for controlling traffic flow and managing vehicle entry and exits. Did you know that bollards can even enhance parks and public spaces? Along with keeping pedestrians and cyclists safe, many are available in different designs to fit in with the aesthetic of any space.

It’s important to note that you will usually need planning permission to install bollards on a commercial property. You’ll need to let your local authority know how many bollards you intend to add, the type of bollards, and their exact location.

If you need to install bollards outside a listed building or a location in a conservation area, there are some extra permissions to be aware of. For listed buildings, for example, you may need to arrange a heritage assessment to decide whether the bollards you intend to install will harm the space’s historic character.

rising bollard


Landowner Permission


Do you rent your commercial space? If so, you’ll also need to speak with the landowner before applying for planning permission. The landowner will need to agree to the proposed bollards.

If you own the land yourself, it’s always worth double-checking the property deeds and speaking with a legal advisor to make sure you’re allowed to add bollards to the premises.


Can I Put Bollards Outside My House?


In many ways, installing bollards at home is a lot more straightforward than in commercial spaces. Let’s look at a few more detailed scenarios to answer common questions we hear from residents.

Can I Put A Bollard On My Drive?

Yes, you can usually add parking bollards to your driveway without planning permission, as long as you’re the landowner.

If your property is leasehold, you’ll need to get written consent from the freeholder, your landlord, or the property management company, depending on who’s in charge. They might ask you for detailed plans, but once you have their go-ahead, you won’t need planning permission from your local authority.

Can I Put Bollards On My Verge?

Adding bollards to a grass verge is similar to installing them on a driveway — if you own the land, you won’t need planning permission, but if you’re a leaseholder, you will need written consent from the freeholder or property management company.

If the verge is outside of your property boundary, however, things get a little more complicated. A grass verge may technically be public land or owned by the local authority; therefore, you will need planning permission.


Tips For Checking Whether You Need Planning Permission For Your Residential Parking Bollards


There are a few factors affecting the level of permission you need to install bollards — whether it’s landowner consent or official planning permission — here are a few tips to make things easier.

Always check your property boundaries before taking any other steps. If the bollards will be entirely within the boundaries of the land you own, you should be good to go. If not, it’s wise to speak with the relevant parties.

It’s better to be safe than sorry, so if you have any doubts about the legality of your parking or driveway bollards, get some advice from an expert. It can save stress down the line.

Even if your bollards will count as permitted development, let your neighbours know you’re installing them to avoid any potential disputes.

Always hire a professional to install them — retractable and fixed bollards both require some digging for secure installation, and a trained professional will be able to ensure this won’t disrupt any underground utilities. If deeper foundations aren’t feasible, you can also speak with an installer about shallow-mount fixed bollards.


How Far Apart Should Bollards Be?


To meet UK security guidelines, bollards should be placed no more than 1.2 metres apart. This distance will prevent vehicles from getting through without authorisation. With retractable bollards, you can lower the barrier to let permitted vehicles through.


How Much Does It Cost To Install A Bollard?


As with any security measure, the cost of bollard installation depends on the type you go for. The materials, manufacturer, and any customisation will affect the overall price. If you want to discuss the bollard options we have at Security Solutions, please feel free to get in touch for a quote.

If you require planning permission for your bollards, you’ll also need to consider the cost of this — prices will vary depending on the extent of the project but often start at around £250 as a ballpark figure.


Bollards From Security Solutions


Our experts at Security Solutions are highly experienced in designing, installing, and maintaining all manner of perimeter security measures. From fixed bollards and traffic flow plates to security gates, we can deliver reliable protection for both commercial and residential spaces.

To learn more and discuss your requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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