BLB Solicitors
  • +01225 755656
  • enquiries@blbsolicitors.co.uk
BLB Solicitors
  • +01225 755656
  • enquiries@blbsolicitors.co.uk
  • Home
  • Services for You
    • Conveyancing Solicitors
    • Leasehold Solicitors
    • Property Dispute Solicitors
    • Divorce, Family Law and Mediation
    • Lifetime Planning and Wills
    • Probate and Estate Administration
    • Equity Release Solicitors
    • Retirement Property Conveyancing
    • Personal Injury Compensation
    • Medical Negligence Solicitors
  • Services for Business
    • Commercial Property
    • Commercial Property Disputes
    • Corporate & Commercial Legal Advice
    • Estate Management Solicitors
  • BLB Solicitors Locations
    • Almondsbury Solicitors
    • Bath Solicitors
    • Bristol Solicitors
    • Bradford on Avon Solicitors
    • Swindon Solicitors
    • Trowbridge Solicitors
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Working for BLB
    • BLB Solicitors – How we work
    • Making Payments to BLB Solicitors
    • Instructing BLB Solicitors
    • Terms of Business
    • Complaints Policy
    • Interest Policy
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Home » Do I need planning permission for a fence?

Property Dispute Resolution
Close up of panel fence
Apr 8th, 2025

At BLB Solicitors, our goal is simple – to deliver you clear, practical legal advice and cost-effective solutions. We hope you enjoy exploring our Blog. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please do contact us.

Do I need planning permission for a fence?

To discuss your property law requirements, call our Team on 01225 462871 or complete the Contact Form below.

Do I need planning permission for a fence?

This question arises with surprising regularity. The simple answer is that as long as you adhere strictly to the conditions set out below, you do not require planning permission to:

  • erect a new fence;
  • maintain, alter or take down an existing fence.

[Of course, this subject is very relevant to the issue of adverse possession of land, known colloquially as ‘squatters’ rights’. If that is a concern for you, see this article.]

How high can a fence be without planning permission?

Front garden fenceWith regard to the height of the fence:

  • If it abuts a highway used by vehicles (or the footpath of such a highway if there is one), it cannot exceed one metre in height from ground level.
  • In all other situations, a fence cannot exceed two metres in height from ground level.

If an existing fence already exceeds that height, the height must not be increased. See Boundary Fence Rules.

Fences and listed buildings

As with any works involving listed buildings, you must be very alert to the rules and restrictions. In terms of fences, if:

  • any part of the property is a listed building or is within the curtilage of a listed building; or
  • the fence forms a boundary with a neighbouring listed building or its curtilage,

you will almost certainly require planning permission to undertake any fencing work. Indeed, you should not commence any work without first taking specialist advice. You can check the position of nearby listed buildings using the search tool on Historic England’s website. However, that tool will not confirm the position of the curtilage.

Fences and Article 4 directions

The right to erect or alter a fence may have been removed by a direction made under article 4 of the General Permitted Development Order.

Article 4 enables the Secretary of State or the local planning authority to withdraw specified permitted development rights across a defined area. These orders are made where development would affect the character of an area of acknowledged importance and are most commonly found in conservation areas. The existence of such a designation tends to be well known, particularly among residents, but if you are unsure, then check with the local planning authority before undertaking any work.

See also: Do I require planning permission for a shed?

Fences in Conservation areas

Cottage fenceIf the property is within a conservation area, you will need planning permission to demolish a fence:

  • of one metre or more in height if it abuts a highway (which includes a public footpath or bridleway), waterway or open space; or
  • of two metres or more in height elsewhere.

Please note that this article discusses the planning requirements for fences. Different rules may apply to walls, hedges, or other boundary markers or structures.

BLB Solicitors
Request a Call Back

Recent Articles

  • Compensation for tree root damage
  • Is buying ‘off plan’ a good plan?
  • What to expect of the property market in the second half of 2025
  • House insurance on exchange of contracts
  • What are Requisitions on Title in conveyancing?

Newsletter Sign-up

* indicates required

Share this article

You may also like...
  • Apr 8th, 2025
    Do I need planning permission for a fence?
    Read Article
  • Apr 29th, 2025
    House insurance on exchange of contracts
    Read Article
View All Related Articles
Get in-touch today
Contact Form

Left Column

Right Column

Centre

 
Sending
  • Bristol Solicitors

    0117 905 5308
  • Bath Solicitors

    01225 462871
  • Bradford on Avon Solicitors

    01225 866541
  • Swindon Solicitors

    01793 615011
  • Trowbridge Solicitors

    01225 755656
  • Almondsbury Solicitors

    0117 905 5308
Authorised & Regulated by Solicitors Regulation Authority (No. 636644)
©2025 BLB Solicitors | Terms | Privacy | Legal