Do I need planning permission for a side gate?

Not if under 2m tall and not on a highway-facing elevation. Heights above 2m or street-facing gates in conservation areas need planning. Most side-return gates are tucked behind the front garden line — PD-compliant.

How long does a gate take to install?

Tier 1–2 timber: 1 day install on existing posts. With new posts: 2 days (Day 1 dig + concrete, Day 2 fit gate). Tier 3 iron: 1–2 days install (off-site fabrication 6–10 weeks before).

Will a side gate stop bin thieves?

Yes if locked + 2m tall + multi-point/multi-bolt. Most bin-store thefts and through-property burglaries (London 'creeper' break-ins) go through unlocked or low side gates. Insurance assessors increasingly require BS3621-rated side gates as a condition of household contents cover.

Side Gate Cost London 2026 | Builderr

How Much Does a Bespoke Side Gate Cost in London?

London side gate cost £450–£3,850 supplied + installed. Budget T&G softwood with pad bolt £450–£750. Hardwood framed (oak, iroko) with sash lock £950–£1,650. Bespoke heritage wrought-iron with mortice lock £1,850–£2,950. Security-rated steel with multi-point + access keypad £1,450–£2,250. Add £350–£650 for opening posts + brick pier on gate side.

Material and security tiers

Tier 1 — budget (£450–£750): planed T&G softwood (treated redwood), galvanised T-hinges + pad bolt, square-cut top. 5–7-year life. Tier 2 — mid-range hardwood framed (£950–£1,650): kiln-dried oak/iroko/sapele framed-and-braced, mortice lock + Yale rim deadlock, brass/black-iron hinges. 25-year life. Tier 3 — heritage wrought iron (£1,850–£2,950): bespoke fabricated by London foundry (Topp & Co, Lassco, IronArt), period-style spear-top or scroll detail, brushed black or hand-painted. 50+ year life. Tier 4 — security-rated steel (£1,450–£2,250): TS007 3-star multi-point lock, LPS 1175 SR2 rated, powder-coat black/anthracite. Suitable where house has been targeted or rear access concerns. Conservation areas — heritage-style only; tier 4 plain steel usually refused on CA street elevations.

Sizing, frame and clearances

Standard London terrace side-return gate: 1900–2100mm tall × 900–1100mm wide. Frame: 100×100mm hardwood or galvanised steel posts concreted 600mm deep (or bolted to existing brick with M12 resin anchors). Top: square (modern), gothic spear (heritage), or curved (Edwardian). Threshold: 30mm ground clearance + sloped concrete sill to drain away from gate. Self-closing hinges for security (Tier 3+4 standard). Gate opens inward (away from public footpath) — outward swing requires Highways approval if it crosses pavement.

Locks, access + smart options

Mortice deadlock (BS3621) standard for insurance compliance. Multi-point locking (Tier 4) with hooks + bolts. Access options: traditional key both sides; thumb-turn inside / key outside; keypad keyless entry (Yale Conexis L2 £285 supplied + installed); smart Wi-Fi (August Smart Lock + retrofit £450); biometric (rare, £850+). Critical for bin-out access — many clients regret key-only after 6 months of dropping keys in the bin. Builderr's recommended spec: BS3621 mortice + 4-digit keypad on outside thumb-turn inside.