How High Can a Fence Be Without Planning Permission UK

Installing a fence can offer privacy, security and a defined boundary for your property. Whether you live in a detached house, a semi detached home or a terrace, you might want to put up a new fence or replace an old one. In the UK, you can usually build or replace a fence without needing planning permission, but there are clear height rules that must be followed to remain within permitted development limits.

Permitted Development Rules for Fence Height

In most cases, you can erect a fence without planning permission under permitted development rights as long as it meets specific height restrictions. The general rule is that a fence must not exceed 2 metres in height if it is located at the rear or side of your property. If the fence is next to a highway used by vehicles, such as a road or public footpath, the maximum permitted height is 1 metre.

If you want to build a fence higher than these limits, you must apply for planning permission from your local planning authority. Even if your fence is replacing an older one, if it is taller than the permitted height, you still need formal consent.

It is worth noting that planning permission also applies to walls and gates. If you are building a brick wall or a timber gate alongside the fence, the same height limits apply.

Boundary Ownership and Legal Rights

Before erecting a new fence, you should be certain that the boundary is yours to change. Property deeds, title plans or Land Registry records can help confirm who owns each boundary. In some cases, fences are shared, and altering or replacing them without agreement could lead to a boundary dispute. It is always best to speak with neighbours in advance, especially if the new fence will be higher than the previous one.

A fence on your land can usually be installed without consent from your neighbour as long as it complies with height rules and local planning policy. However, if you attach anything to their existing fence or lean a structure against it, you may be breaching civil property law even if planning permission is not required.

Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas

If your home is a listed building or lies within a conservation area, different rules apply. In these locations, planning permission may be required for any new fence or boundary treatment, regardless of height. This is especially true if the fence affects the character of the building or its setting. Local authorities may also impose Article 4 Directions that remove permitted development rights entirely for certain types of fencing or garden walls.

In some protected areas, such as national parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, local councils may have specific design requirements or limitations on fencing materials, colours or placement.

Corner Plots and Highway Visibility

If your property sits on a corner plot, planning rules become more complex. A fence that is technically at the side of the property may still face a public road and therefore be classed as adjacent to a highway. In these cases, the maximum height is still 1 metre without planning permission. Councils also assess whether a fence affects visibility or road safety, particularly at junctions or driveways.

If your proposed fence blocks sightlines for pedestrians or vehicles, the local planning authority may refuse permission or require you to alter the design. Many councils recommend using lower fencing or planting with gaps to preserve visibility.

Maintenance and Replacement

If you are repairing or replacing a fence and the new fence is the same height and in the same position, planning permission is not normally required. However, if you increase the height or change the position significantly, you will need to check whether the work still falls under permitted development.

You do not need permission to paint or stain your fence unless your property is listed or in a conservation area where colours or finishes may be controlled. Some homes built under housing estate agreements may also be subject to restrictive covenants that prevent certain alterations, including fencing. These are separate from planning law and enforced through the civil courts.

Certificate of Lawfulness

If you want written proof that your proposed fence is lawful and does not require planning permission, you can apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development. This can be useful when selling a property or in case of future disputes with neighbours or the council.

Conclusion

In the UK, you can usually erect a fence up to 2 metres high at the side or rear of your property, and up to 1 metre high at the front next to a highway, without planning permission. Higher fences require formal consent from your local authority. Always confirm your boundary ownership and check for local restrictions, especially in conservation areas, near roads or if your property is listed. If in doubt, speak to the planning department or apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development for added peace of mind.