Can You Install Bollards On Private Land?

For those looking at installing some driveway bollards to secure your home and to prevent or deter car theft, even on private property, there’s a tonne of legal and regulatory hurdles that you need to first overcome. So, can you install driveway bollards on private land?

Yes, you indeed can, but you need to make sure you’re wary of the legal permissions, compliance issues, and regulations involved here in the UK, thus making sure the installation process goes off without a hitch. The last thing you need to worry about is getting on the wrong side of the law, so here’s what you need to know about installing driveway bollards on private land in the UK…

Planning Permissions

For most private properties and on private land, you typically won’t require planning permissions to install a driveway bollard or two. However, there are some specific scenarios where you absolutely need to seek further approval prior to the installation.

• If your property is a listed building, you must obtain consent and approval before making any alterations or renovations to the property. This includes installing driveway bollards, too.
• Similarly, if your property is located within a conservation area, they face stricter regulations to ensure that these parcels of land are preserved. So, if you’re trying to install driveway bollards in these areas, ensure that you check with your local planning authority to enquire if further permissions are needed, and they’ll also be able to provide additional guidelines.

Still, even if your property is on fully private land owned by you, I find that it’s good practice to always consult with your local planning office. A bit of red tape at the start of the project ought to at least prevent any issues or misunderstandings down the line.

In addition to acquiring planning permissions, if you’re planning to install driveway bollards that are close to public vehicular access or pedestrian pathways, you may need to also consult the local highway authority. Any bollards that you wish to install, even on private land, mustn’t impede pedestrian foot traffic or vehicles trying to pass by.

Obstructions also include sightlines, your bollards can’t interfere with motorists’ sightlines, as this can pose a serious hazard. In short, your bollards, once installed, can’t prevent the free-flowing movement of pedestrians and vehicles in nearby public land. Otherwise, if the installation does affect nearby pavements, and shared driveways or pathways, you’ll need to apply for additional permissions.

Leasehold Properties

Aside from installing driveway bollards on private land, what about leasehold properties? Well, it’s not nearly as straightforward, but it starts with obtaining the necessary permissions and approval from the freeholder, or the property management company. This is essential before you begin installing any bollards on the property.

Make sure you read up on and review your lease agreement terms beforehand. This should contain all the necessary guidelines, as well as the restrictions and requirements for making modifications to your leasehold property.

Once you’ve understood what restrictions are in place, spend some time contacting your landlord, freeholder, or the property management company, and get written consent and approval from them for the installation. This might be a bit of a headache, as they may require you to submit detailed plans for the installation of those bollards on your property.

Residential Land & Shared Spaces

As we mentioned earlier, homeowners can install bollards on their driveways or parking spaces to prevent any unauthorised access or deter car theft, and this is way easier to do when it’s on private land. Still, there are some things you can do to ensure a smooth-sailing installation process:

• First off, make sure you verify your property boundaries so that you don’t step over and install bollards outside of your own land. Usually, your property deeds should outline where your property begins and ends.
• Aside from that, I’d highly advise informing your neighbours beforehand, prior to the planned installation date. Installing a driveway bollard can be a little loud, so be a good neighbour and let them know to avoid any disputes or arguments happening.
• Remember that you can’t install driveway bollards on public land or publicly accessible pathways or roads. For these, you will need to get consent and acquire explicit permissions from your local council and the local authorities.

Other Considerations To Be Wary Of

For all of you who are strongly considering installing driveway bollards on private land, here are a few other noteworthy considerations that you should be wary of:

• Before performing the installation, it helps to check for underground utilities like gas, water, fibre optic lines, and electrical lines, to avoid damaging them during the bollard installation process. Remember, bollards are made to retract underground, so you’ll have to dig downwards. So, be sure to consult all the relevant utility companies if necessary, and mark out those areas where you can’t dig through.
• As you’re shopping for new driveway bollards to install, bear in mind that some bollards might have a positive impact on your home or motor insurance premiums. Since they reduce the risk of theft or damage, insurance providers generally recognise this and could offer you a discount on your premiums. Therefore, remember to check with your insurance provider and ask around how installing a bollard might impact your existing policy. One such example is the ‘Insurance Approved’ selection of bollards that we have in our catalogue.
• Interestingly, I’ve seen chatter with some homeowners who are keen to proceed with installing a bollard or two on their own, DIY-style. Now, some driveway bollards can be installed DIY. However, hiring professionals for the installation process is highly advised, particularly for retractable or telescopic bollards. These can be quite tough to install, even with a team of contractors on hand to do it for you. On top of that, professional contractors will guarantee that those bollards are installed securely and correctly, while also complying with applicable safety standards.

On that last note, if you’re not sure about where to get started and need some help installing driveway bollards around your home, you’re in luck! At Bollard Security, we have more than 15 years of experience with installing and maintaining security solutions throughout the UK, including driveway bollards. We’ve worked with a myriad of commercial, residential, and industrial clients, and we take pride in the quality of the bollards that we install, and the peace of mind you get as a result. You can bet that we know the ins and outs of the regulations around the installation of driveway bollards on private land, so don’t hesitate to contact us at 01535 920362 for advice and recommendations on what the best bollards are for you.