Small gate

KatyMac

Is there any regs to be wary of if I opened a 4-5 foot gate going onto a lane? Have fields both sides of the lane, but the main gates 12 foot+ are about 200metre away from each other. There are two houses that don't have gates and an open fronted wood on the route. When moving cattle it takes up to 5 people to cover all the gaps. so, I was wondering if I could open a small spot opposite one of the gates so the cattle could just be put across the lane instead of having to drive them up (or down) it?

Bass Reeves

Not really sure. There are regs if opening a bigger gate into a field, you have to spay the walls back at 45 degrees and recess back 8-10 feet. You could ring the council and ask however finding someone to give an answer could put you at wits. They will also look for a letter from you.

I imagine in the senario you put forward it could be straight forward enough as it purely for moving stock. You could always knock a bit of the wall and just put a gate inside. By the way you mention a lane. Above referes to a public road. If it is only a lane you can work away.

lough135

Is it a private lane or a public road?

Keepgrowing

Do not contact council

KatyMac

lough135 wrote: »

Is it a private lane or a public road?

Unfortunately it's public but only the width of a single vehicle! I think I might chance it (the wall fell and I just used that 5 foot gate to fill the gap!!!!. If it came to it, I suppose my father's favorite way to fill a gap could be employed - a pallet and a bit of blue twine!!!!) I definitely won't ring the council - I value my patience way too much.
Thanks for replies lads

Ashill5

Throw up a 9ft gate if I was you. Mention first to the neighbours but will hardly mind if decreases the chance of cattle going onto their lawns.

CloughCasey1

Ashill5 wrote: »

Throw up a 9ft gate if I was you. Mention first to the neighbours but will hardly mind if decreases the chance of cattle going onto their lawns.

Exactly. Whats the worst the council can do about it and if it is keeping stock off a public road it is the lesser of two evils.

kerry cow

I know that if the road, even if public , is less than X metre wide you do not need planning . In my case it was a regular single car road and it didn't need planning , as discussed with engineer and also council .not exactly sure what width for sure but it's your normal country lane .

tancoman

My opinion would be to first of all talk to the neighbours on the lane. Tell them your intentions, that you are considering putting a gate at either side of the lane in order that your livestock can crossover.Ask them how do they feel about it. As already stated, put in a ten foot gate if they are agreeable. The worst that can happen to is that you will be required to replace the bank/wall.

Genghis Cant

KatyMac wrote: »

Is there any regs to be wary of if I opened a 4-5 foot gate?

Ashill5 wrote: »

Throw up a 9ft gate if I was you.

tancoman wrote: »

put in a ten foot gate

Any advance on a 12' gate ;-)

barnaman

Its exempt development so stick up a 24 foot gate. No need to talk to neighbours they have no say.

Jb1989

barnaman wrote: »

Its exempt development so stick up a 24 foot gate. No need to talk to neighbours they have no say.

definitely development exempt, as its farming related, I would also advise a wider gap, two 24 foots gates would be ideal.

tancoman

Kathy Mac at the outset asked about regs etc. I think it only good manners and being neighborly to talk to the two houses concerned. Just because it is exempt is no reason to maybe fall out with somebody. If it is explained to them correctly, most likely they will only be too happy to have the gate there and not havinf the stock pass their houses. Everyone is a winner.

White Clover

tancoman wrote: »

Kathy Mac at the outset asked about regs etc. I think it only good manners and being neighborly to talk to the two houses concerned. Just because it is exempt is no reason to maybe fall out with somebody. If it is explained to them correctly, most likely they will only be too happy to have the gate there and not havinf the stock pass their houses. Everyone is a winner.

Spot on. Out of courtesy, i would speak to the neighbours.

KatyMac

Thanks for replies.
I think I will go for it as it would defo make life easier. The way it would work out I'd be equidistance from both neighbours' places, so wouldn't be interfering with either. The 'new' gate is the only new opening as on the exact opposite side of the lane is my 16' gate going into meadow fields. Knowing my cattle, a bucket of nuts and 'bob's my uncle'!!! At least they would have less fancy lawns to look towards.

Water John

I would suggest that the width of the gate should match the lane width. Arrange then that opening each gate will block the lane on both sides. This will allow one person to move stock safely.
A holding pen on each side would be the de luxe version.

Markcheese

Water John wrote:

I would suggest that the width of the gate should match the lane width. Arrange then that opening each gate will block the lane on both sides. This will allow one person to move stock safely. A holding pen on each side would be the de luxe version.

If your doing that though stick a couple of cheapo red bike led lights in the middle of each gate....cant miss them when they're flashing...
Also talking to the neighbours will keep them sweet but help cover your ass too... no one can claim they didnt know the gap was there...