Gate - Self-closing, One-way Opening Gate

This is an old version of the page

Date published: 1 March, 2017

Date superseded: 14 May, 2021

For recent changes to this guidance, please see the bottom of the page.

The aim of this item is, where necessary, to provide a robust, effective and easy to use self-closing gate, suitable for as many user types as possible (including wheelchairs) where a path crosses a boundary or fence and to control livestock or vehicles.

A one-way opening gate is less preferable than a two way opening gate, but may be used in circumstances including significant livestock pressure or at roadsides.

The gate can also be installed to perform as a vehicle barrier.

Any land is eligible, and the gate should be on an existing, upgraded or new path.

Galvanised steel gate:

  • 1.2 metre height from ground level
  • 1.54 metre minimum width of opening
  • made of galvanised steel H-frame, set in concrete to 0.7 metres depth
  • one-way self-closing hinges, offset by 35 millimetres
  • bottom hinge pin reversed to prevent gate removal
  • easy-operation latch, from horse-back and wheelchair
  • gate stop

Timber gate:

  • new-build timber gate with 1.5 metre minimum width of opening
  • hanging post and shutting post, minimum 2440x150x150 millimetres
  • set in rammed stone and earth, minimum 0.7 metres deep
  • one-way self-closing hinges, offset by 35 millimetres
  • bottom hinge pin reversed to prevent gate removal
  • hanging and shutting gate uprights, minimum 75x75 millimetres
  • easy-operation latch, from horse-back and wheelchair
  • gate stop

Additionally:

  • for safety, one-way opening gates should be installed adjacent to roads, where they should open away from the road
  • a one-way opening gate should open into the side used by livestock
  • surfaces through gates must be firm, level and well drained
  • you must take and retain for inspection dated photographic evidence of the construction phase, to include the works below ground level

You can claim £350 for each gate.

The inspectors will check:

  • the location and extent of the work

Galvanised steel gate:

  • 1.2 metre height from ground level
  • 1.54 metre minimum width of opening
  • made of galvanised steel H-frame, set in concrete to 0.7 metres depth
  • one-way self-closing hinges, offset by 35 millimetres
  • bottom hinge pin reversed to prevent gate removal
  • easy-operation latch, from horse-back and wheelchair
  • gate stop

Timber gate:

  • new-build timber gate with 1.5 metre minimum width of opening
  • hanging post and shutting post, minimum 2440x150x150 millimetres
  • set in rammed stone and earth, minimum 0.7 metres deep
  • one-way self-closing hinges, offset by 35 millimetres
  • bottom hinge pin reversed to prevent gate removal
  • hanging and shutting gate uprights, minimum 75x75 millimetres
  • easy-operation latch, from horse-back and wheelchair
  • gate stop

Additionally:

  • the gate opens away from the road
  • the gate opens into the side used by livestock
  • surfaces through gates are firm, level and well drained
  • you have taken and retained for inspection dated photographic evidence of the construction phase, to include the works below ground level

Section Change
Requirements and Inspections Clarification of requirement regarding taking and retaining photographic evidence.