Erecting a fence, gate or garden wall can transform your garden into a distinctive space to relax and enjoy your space. It can also serve to protect your property, by acting as a security barrier between the street and your home. A new fence or wall can breath new life into the appearance of your property and really give it a well maintained look. Whatever your reasons of putting up a fence, even if its just to keep out the neighbours dog, it is important that you are aware of the relevant planning restrictions.

Fences, Gates and Garden Walls Not Requiring Planning Permission.

Existing Fences, Gates and Garden Walls

You will not need to apply for planning permission to take down a fence, wall,or gate, or to alter, maintain or improve an existing fence, wall or gate (no matter how high) so long as there is no increase in its height.

However, if your property is in a conservation area you may need conservation area consent to take down a fence, wall or gate; regardless of whether you will replace it with a new one.

New Fences, Gates and Garden Walls

Erecting a new fence, wall or gate will not require need planning permission if:

• it would be below 1 metre high and next to a road used by vehicles (or the footpath of such a road) or below 2 metres high elsewhere
• the fence, wall or gate, or any other boundary involved, does not form a boundary with a neighbouring listed building or its grounds.

Fences, Gates and Garden Walls Requiring Planning Permission

You will need to apply for planning permission if you wish to erect or add to a fence, wall or gate where:

• it would be over 1 metre high and fronting a road used by vehicles (or the footpath of such a road) or over 2 metres high elsewhere
• your right to put up or alter fences, walls and gates is removed by an article 4 direction or a planning condition
• your house is a listed building or in the curtilage of a listed building.
• the fence, wall or gate, or any other boundary, forms a boundary with a neighbouring listed building or its grounds

Conservation Area

If your property is in a conservation area you may need conservation area consent to take down a fence, wall or gate, regardless of whether you will be replacing it or not. We urge you to contact your local authority prior to carrying out any works in a conservation area. Failure to adhere to the relevant regulations can result in a lengthy and costly legal battle with the local authority.

Hedges

You will not normally require planning permission for hedges. However, if a planning condition restricts planting in your area or your property you may need planning permission and/or other consent. It is advisable to contact your local authority before planting any hedges as you may be served notice to have them removed if any restrictions do apply.

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