Rural Payments and Services

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 two-way opening gate is the preferable option in most circumstances, as the most easily usable by the full range of user types.

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
• two-way self-closing hinges
• 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
• two-way self-closing hinges
• bottom hinge pin reversed to prevent gate removal
• hanging gate uprights minimum 75x75 millimetres
• easy-operation latch, from horse-back and wheelchair
• gate stop

Additionally:

• 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 £440 for each gate.

The inspectors will check for:

• the location and extent of the work

Galvanised steel gate:

• 1.2 metre height from ground level
• 1.54 metre minimum width of opening
• two-way self-closing hinges
• 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
• two-way self-closing hinges
• bottom hinge pin reversed to prevent gate removal
• hanging gate uprights minimum 75x75 millimetres
• easy-operation latch, from horse-back and wheelchair
• gate stop

Additionally:

• 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

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