Self-closing Gate for Non-vehicular Access

Date published: 24 February, 2017

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

This item must be used to provide access for members of the public to rights of way and sites of interest in conjunction with newly restored or created dykes and fences that have been erected to meet the objectives of the Woodland Creation or Woodland Improvement Grant – Habitats and Species options.

The location of the gate must be clearly shown on your application map.

Gates must be two-way opening, and self-closing. Wire, twine or rope are not acceptable as latches.

Gates must be either timber or galvanised steel, and must be at least 1500 millimetres wide. Gate posts (both the hanging and slam posts) must be either timber or galvanised steel. If timber, gates and gateposts must be pressure-treated softwood or untreated hardwood.

All fencing materials must be new.

If timber, posts must be at least 200 millimetres in diameter. If galvanised, posts must be at least 50 x 50 millimetre box section or at least 75 millimetre diameter tube.

Posts must be firmly dug or driven into the ground and concreted if required.

Surfaces through gates must be firm, level and well drained. We require this item to be in place, meeting minimum specifications and in good working order for a period of at least five years following the date you received your payment.