Do I need planning permission for a fence?

22.7.24

Planning permission might not be the first thing that crosses your mind when it’s time for a new fence if the old one’s seen better days or you don’t have one and you want one. But you must check it out so that you don’t fall foul of the law.

Also remember, Ryder Services provides the highest quality fencing and fencing supplies for either commercial or domestic use. Browse our fencing supplies range here.

The benefits of a garden fence

Not only can a fence provide privacy, it bolsters security and can really set your house off by adding a finishing touch to the property whether you’re newly in, are looking to enhance it to stay in it, or sell it.

Our guide to fence planning in the UK will help you navigate these laws and ensure your project complies with local regulations, and this is merely a guide.

Planning permission for a fence

If you want to build, maintain or improve a gate, fence or wall around your house, the first thing that everybody should do is check to see if you need to apply for planning permission.

In the UK, planning permission is generally not required for building a fence, wall, or gate, apart from in the following circumstances…

Fence height Restrictions uk

Planning permission is required if your fence height including trellis exceeds 2 metres (6.56ft) above ground level.

If your fence height is higher than 1 metre (3.28ft) and your house faces a road used by vehicles or its pedestrian footpath, then you need planning permission.

The ScotGov website also states that the fence must not come any further forward than the 'principal elevation' (the front of your house) or the side elevation (the side of your house).

Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings

Conservation area properties and listed buildings require that you seek planning permission for any height of fence.

Development Rights and fences

Properties with permitted development rights removed, typically those in new housing estates, must also apply for planning permission.

Do I need planning permission to take down or alter a fence?

In most circumstanced the answer is no. Unless you are increasing its height that is.

Before building your fence: a checklist

Check local regulations

A quick Google search should point you in the right direction, or you can contact the planning department directly.

Be a good neighbour

The last thing any neighbour wants is to be woken up early one morning to the sound of banging and sawing, so it’s a good idea to consult your neigbours just to keep them informed.

Know your boundaries

Do you know the exact boundaries of your property? If there’s any kind of dispute or confusion, a surveyor can clear it up. Or you can get a copy of the title register, title plan, and any 'filed' deeds HM Land Registry holds for your own property and your neighbour's property

Plan ahead

Submitting a planning application to your local council can take several weeks, so you might want to factor this into your plans.

Planning permission costs

A planning application will cost you money, the amount being commensurate with the type of planning permission you seek.

For the most up-to-date and specific advice, especially regarding local variations in regulations, always refer to your local council's planning department or the UK government's planning portal.

This check confirms that the blog content is factually correct and up to date regarding UK government legislation.

Sources:

mygov.scot

gov.uk