How high can a fence be without planning permission?

In the rear and side garden, up to 2 metres. In the front garden or adjacent to a highway, up to 1 metre. Any higher than these limits requires planning permission.

Do I need planning permission for a 6-foot fence?

A 6-foot (approximately 1.8-metre) fence in the rear garden does not need planning permission, as it is under the 2-metre limit.

Do I need permission for a fence in a conservation area?

Not necessarily — the same height rules apply. However, if the fence would affect the character or appearance of the conservation area, the council may require permission or use of specific materials.

Do I need planning permission to replace a fence?

Replacing a fence on a like-for-like basis (same height and type) generally does not need planning permission. If you are increasing the height beyond the limits, permission may be needed.

Can my neighbour object to my fence?

Your neighbour cannot object to a lawful fence within the PD limits. However, they can raise concerns about the boundary location or the Party Wall Act if the fence is on or near the boundary.

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Fence?

Do I Need Planning Permission?

IT DEPENDS

IT DEPENDS — most garden fences do not need planning permission, but front garden fences over 1 metre and rear fences over 2 metres do.

Keep reading for the full rules.

Most garden fences do not need planning permission, but the rules differ for front and rear fences. There is also a 1-metre limit for fences adjacent to a highway. Listed buildings and conservation areas have additional restrictions.

Permitted Development Rules by Region

Permitted Development Rules — England

✓A fence in the rear or side garden can be up to 2 metres high without planning permission.
✓A fence in the front garden or adjacent to a highway can only be up to 1 metre high without planning permission.
✓Any fence over these heights requires planning permission.
✓Gates and pillars are treated as fences for planning purposes.
✓Listed building consent is required for any fencing on listed building curtilage.
✓Conservation areas may require consent for fences that affect the character of the area.

Size & Position Limits (England)

Requirement	Limit / Rule
Front garden / adjacent to highway	Max 1 metre without permission
Rear/side garden	Max 2 metres without permission
Listed buildings	Listed building consent required
Conservation areas	Check with council

When Do You Need Planning Permission?

Even if your project is usually permitted development, planning permission is required in these circumstances:

✗A front garden fence higher than 1 metre.
✗A rear or side garden fence higher than 2 metres.
✗Any fence on a listed building curtilage.
✗Fences in some conservation areas where the character would be affected.

What Happens If You Build Without Permission?

An enforcement notice can require removal of an unlawfully erected fence. Height restrictions are strictly applied for boundary disputes and highway visibility.

Enforcement notices: Your council can issue an enforcement notice requiring you to stop the work, remove it, or restore the land to its original condition. You have a right of appeal against an enforcement notice.

Retrospective applications: If you have already carried out work that required planning permission, you can submit a retrospective planning application. If approved, this regularises the work. If refused, you may be required to remove it.

Time limits: For dwelling houses, the council generally has 4 years to take enforcement action for most types of work. For breaches of planning conditions, the time limit is 10 years. There is no time limit for listed building enforcement.

Typical Cost

Typical Project Cost

£500 – £5,000

Costs vary by size, specification and location

Planning Application Fee

£258

Householder application — no VAT on planning fees

How to Apply for Planning Permission

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This is general guidance only and does not constitute legal or planning advice. Rules can change, and local circumstances vary. Always check with your local planning authority before starting any works.