Published:
In the United Kingdom, where old often meets new, homeowners and business owners can face a dilemma when erecting fences. Imagine this: You’ve got a great idea for a fence to protect your property or construction site, but then you encounter the bureaucratic challenge of planning permission.
Not to worry – in this blog, we’re exploring the details of fence planning permission in the UK, uncovering the facts, and providing practical solutions.
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Fence?
Whether you need planning permission for a fence in the UK depends on certain rules and regulations. Generally, you don’t need planning permission if the fence is no more than 2 metres high (or 1 metre high next to a vehicle highway) and your property isn’t a listed building or in a conservation area.
In addition, front garden fences over one metre high next to a vehicle highway, or footpath of a highway, or that form a boundary with a listed building or its curtilage, may require planning permission.
Lastly, local authorities can have guidelines on materials and design, particularly if they are visually intrusive or out of character with the surroundings. So, if you plan to get funky with your fence, you may need to check in with your local planning authority.
What is the Maximum Height a Fence Can Be Without Planning Permission?
In the UK, the maximum allowed height for a fence is determined by several factors including the boundary involved, the type of property, and its location.
Residential Properties:
- For most residential properties, including houses and cottages, the maximum height for a fence, wall, or gate without needing planning permission is 2 meters (approximately 6.6 feet).
- If the fence, wall, or gate is adjacent to a highway used by vehicles, the maximum height without planning permission is generally reduced to 1 meter (approximately 3.3 feet).
Properties Fronting a Highway:
- If the property is situated on the corner of two adjacent highways, the maximum height of the fence, wall, or gate should not exceed 1 metre within the triangle formed by the two highways, and a line should be drawn between the two points that are 2 metres back from the point where the two highways meet.
Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas:
- Special rules apply to properties within conservation areas and listed buildings. In such cases, you may need to apply for planning permission, and there may be more stringent restrictions on the type and height of fencing.
Do I Need Permission from My Neighbours to Build a Fence?
In most cases, you don’t need to get formal permission from your neighbours to build a fence on your property, as long as it adheres to the standard planning regulations. However, according to the Party Wall Act 1996, if the fence is shared, you must at least give notice to your neighbours. In any case, it’s always a good idea to discuss your plans with them, especially if the fence will be a shared boundary, or might affect their property in some way.
Also, open communication with your neighbours now can help prevent disputes down the line. While legal permission isn’t typically required, maintaining good neighbourly relations is important, and it’s often best to agree on shared boundary fences to avoid any future misunderstandings, no matter what the law says.
If your fence design or height exceeds local authority regulations, planning permission might be required, in which case informing your neighbours would be part of the process. Additionally, if your property is next to a listed building or in a conservation area, further permissions might be necessary.
Planning Permission Costs
Submitting a planning application typically incurs a cost, which depends on the nature of the planning permission you need. It’s hard to say more than this, so you can refer to your local council website for detailed information on the applicable costs.
Planning Permission Application
Whether you want to make your garden walls over 2m tall, or seek to build a fence next to a neighbouring listed building, you can apply to your local planning department. Alternatively, the gov.uk website is a good place to start your application.
Fence Planning Permission Challenges
Before diving further into the statistics and legalities, let’s set the stage. Picture a business owner determined to secure their premises against intruders, or a homeowner seeking privacy and safety. As the plan for a protective barrier takes shape, the first hurdle often arises in the form of planning permission.
A significant number of fence applications in the UK face approval challenges, with a considerable percentage falling prey to misunderstandings of local regulations. However, armed with knowledge, individuals can navigate the labyrinth of bureaucracy more effectively. The key lies in comprehending the specific guidelines set by local authorities, which can be extremely challenging for laymen, as no local authority is known for its clear and accessible guidelines. This is where Alexandra Security steps in.
Alexandra Security: Your Partner in Compliance
When it comes to ensuring that your security solutions align seamlessly with planning permissions, Alexandra Security is ready to assist. With a comprehensive understanding of local regulations, our expertise spans solutions tailored to businesses, construction sites, and homeowners alike.
Whether it’s a robust perimeter for a construction site or an aesthetically pleasing fence for a residential property, Alexandra Security provides tailor-made security solutions that not only meet your needs but also comply with legal requirements.
Guiding Business Owners:
For business owners looking to fortify their establishments, Alexandra Security offers a range of options that balance security with aesthetics. Understanding the unique challenges different industries face, our solutions are crafted to enhance both safety and visual appeal.
Securing Construction Sites:
Security in the construction industry is paramount. Alexandra Security’s tailored security solutions for construction sites adhere to planning permissions and provide a robust defence against potential threats, ensuring that projects proceed without hindrance.
Empowering Homeowners:
Home is where the heart is, and Alexandra Security recognises the diverse needs of homeowners.
Whether it’s a residential fence for privacy or a perimeter to safeguard property, their solutions are designed to complement the aesthetics of your home while adhering to local regulations.
Ready to Invest in your Security?
Whether you want to fortify or replace an existing fence or need a new fence but aren’t sure about the permitted development at your business premises, home, school, or even railway – we can help. Alexandra Security has guided many individuals and businesses through the intricacies of building regulations, and we’re ready to guide you, too.
Remember, knowledge is power. By understanding the rules, consulting experts, and choosing the right security solutions, you can confidently secure your property without compromising on compliance.
Contact us today to find out more about our services and products.
