Work through this list before you get quotes, and you'll know what to ask for – and what to watch out for. Tick off what you can; anything you're not sure about, I'll sort out on the site visit.

The opening

[ ] Width between the posts or pillars measured (roughly)
[ ] Height you'd like the gates to be
[ ] Posts or pillars solid – not cracked, leaning or hollow
[ ] Swing gates: room for each leaf to open inwards, clear of steps, walls and cars
[ ] Sliding gate: a clear run beside the opening about as long as the gate
[ ] Slope of the driveway behind the gate checked

Your Electric Gate Planning Checklist

Before you commit to electric gates, it helps to work through the practical questions: how wide the opening is, whether the drive slopes, how strong the posts are and where the power will come from.

Slatted sliding gates like these for modern homes in Harraby

Slatted gates like these for homes in Annan

We go through the same list on every survey, so nothing is missed and the quote reflects the real job.

If you're still deciding, run through the checklist yourself and send us photos – we can often spot issues before we visit.

Preparing for Automated Gates in Cumbria

Think about how you'll use the gate every day. Who needs to get in, how will deliveries reach you, and do you want an intercom, keypad or phone control?

Check whether your property is listed or in a conservation area, and whether the gate will sit close to the road, as both affect planning.

Once the checklist is done, we'll design the installation around it, fit CAME automation and force test the gates to BS EN 12453.

The road

[ ] A car can pull fully off the road while the gate opens
[ ] Gates won't open over the footpath or road
[ ] Clear view of the road when leaving

Planning and permission

[ ] Height next to the road checked against planning rules
[ ] Listed building or conservation area? If so, consent may be needed
[ ] New or altered entrance onto the road? Check with the council and the highways authority
[ ] Shared driveway or development? Agreement from neighbours or the management company

More in planning permission for electric gates.

Power and cables

[ ] Where the electricity supply will come from
[ ] Route for the cable from the house to the gate
[ ] Ducts for power, intercom and any future extras (if the ground is being dug anyway)

See power supply for electric gates.

The gates

[ ] Material: steel or wrought iron (from £2,200), aluminium (from £1,800), composite or timber (from £2,500)
[ ] Design: open, half-solid or fully solid
[ ] Exposed to strong wind?
[ ] Pedestrian gate needed?

Automation

[ ] Overground, underground, sliding or hydraulic
[ ] Battery backup for power cuts?

Access

[ ] Who needs to get in: family, visitors, deliveries, carers, staff
[ ] Remotes, keypad, video intercom, fobs, app
[ ] How you'll get out: button, remote or exit loop

Safety (non-negotiable)

[ ] Photocells, safety edges and a warning light as the gate needs
[ ] Force testing to BS EN 12453 on completion
[ ] Declaration of Conformity, CE marking and manuals at handover
[ ] Shown how to use the manual release

See gate safety and the law.

When you compare quotes

Check each quote covers the safety devices, force testing, electrical work, groundwork and making good. A quote that's much cheaper normally leaves something out. See how to choose an installer.

Ready to talk? Call or WhatsApp Adrian on 07854 037752.

Electric Driveway Gate Planning Checklist