Gate Automation in Steyning
Gate automation surveys in Steyning. Automate your existing gates with CAME, BFT, or Nice systems. Gate Safe trained, fully insured. Call 07542 024681.
Many properties around Steyning already have manual gates — wooden five-bar gates on the farmhouses and smallholdings out on the downland, wrought iron on the period cottages in the historic town centre, galvanised steel farm gates on the agricultural buildings towards Upper Beeding. Automating these existing gates is often more practical and cost-effective than replacing the whole setup. We survey the site, recommend the right motor system, and handle the installation.
We're based in Horsham, around 20 minutes from Steyning via the A24 and A283, and have automated gates on properties across the Adur valley — from the detached homes along the Bostal Road and Kings Barn Lane to farm entrances on the lanes between Wiston, Ashurst, and Small Dole.
Automation survey: £195+VAT (free with any repair or service booking)
Call us: 07542 024681 | Book online
What the Automation Survey Covers
Before any motor goes on a gate, we need to see the site. Every gate is different — weight, width, hinge condition, post strength, power supply proximity, and clearance all affect which motor system will work. The survey is a detailed, on-site assessment.
Gate Assessment
We measure the gate leaf weight and width, check hinge condition and post integrity, and assess the gate material. In Steyning, wooden five-bar gates on the surrounding downland farms are often heavier than owners expect — solid hardwood frames swell with moisture in the damp Adur valley and can weigh well over 80kg per leaf. The motor needs to match the load, or it will burn out within a few years.
Post and Foundation Check
The chalk downland soil around Steyning is more stable than the Wealden clay further north, which is good news for post stability. But flint debris in the ground can work loose and jam tracks on sliding gates, and exposed posts on the upper slopes towards Bramber and Clays Hill take a constant lateral load from the wind. We check whether the existing posts can support a motor or whether they need reinforcement. On the larger properties along Mouse Lane overlooking the Adur valley, this is one of the biggest factors in choosing the right system.
Power Supply
The motor needs a dedicated power supply — typically a 240V feed from the house to the gate position. We check what is already in place and advise on the cabling route. On the period cottages in the town centre, the electrical supply may need upgrading. On the rural farmhouses and smallholdings with long lanes, the cable run can be 30 metres or more, and armoured cable is essential.
Motor Recommendation
Based on the gate weight, type, and site conditions, we recommend a specific motor system. For most Steyning residential properties, this will be a CAME or BFT system. CAME swing motors are already common on newer installations around the village edge — reliable, well-supported, and competitively priced. BFT underground motors suit properties where a visible motor arm would be unacceptable — common on the flint and timber-frame cottages along the High Street.
Safety Requirements
All new gate automation must comply with current safety standards. We specify the safety devices needed — photocells, safety edges, warning lights — and include these in the quote. This is not optional. Automated gates are machinery, and they must be safe. On the agricultural properties around Upper Beeding, where livestock and farm machinery share the entrance, getting the safety setup right matters even more.
Automation Options for Steyning Properties
| Property Type | Typical Gate | Recommended Motor | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Period town cottage | Wrought iron swing | BFT underground or CAME articulated arm | Concealed installation, preserves appearance |
| Rural farmhouse | Wooden five-bar | CAME ram or arm motor | Handles heavy gates, robust in exposed downland conditions |
| Converted barn | Steel swing | CAME AXO or Frog | Cost-effective, copes with wide agricultural openings |
| Smallholding entrance | Galvanised steel farm gate | CAME ram motor | Built for heavy use and farm machinery |
| Larger valley property | Double swing, 3m+ leaves | BFT Phobos or CAME Frog | Heavy-duty, designed for large gates and wind load |
Pricing for Gate Automation
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Automation survey | £195+VAT |
| Survey (free with repair/service) | Free |
| Saturday survey | £234+VAT |
| Sunday survey | £292.50+VAT |
The survey fee covers the visit, full site assessment, and a written specification with costed options. If you proceed with the installation, the survey fee is deducted from the total.
Installation costs vary depending on the motor system, gate type, power supply requirements, and safety devices. We provide a fixed-price quote after the survey — no surprises.
Areas Covered Near Steyning
We also cover gate automation in these nearby areas:
Also covering: Bramber, Upper Beeding, Wiston, Ashurst, Small Dole, and the surrounding rural properties in the BN44 postcode area.
Frequently Asked Questions
More gate services in Steyning
We also cover these in Steyning:
We also cover nearby
Gate Automation in surrounding towns:
Need Gate Help in Steyning?
We cover Steyning and the surrounding area. Call or book online.