Planning permission for fences, gates & garden walls
A fence, gate or wall is permitted development up to 1m high next to a highway, or 2m elsewhere, above those heights you need planning permission.
Boundary structures have simple height rules, but they change depending on whether the boundary is next to a road, and near listed buildings the rules are stricter.
- Up to 1m high where adjacent to a highway (including footpaths) used by vehicles
- Up to 2m high elsewhere
- Repairing, maintaining or taking down an existing fence, wall or gate
- Not a listed building, its curtilage, or a boundary with a listed building
- Any structure over 1m next to a highway, or over 2m elsewhere
- Listed buildings, their curtilage, or boundaries adjoining a listed building
- Removing a boundary structure in a conservation area (may need consent)
- Properties where an Article 4 direction or condition applies
Don't forget building regs
Boundary walls and fences fall outside building regulations, though a substantial retaining wall may need structural design for stability.
If a boundary wall is retaining ground or forms part of a larger scheme, our structural engineers can design it safely. For most boundary questions the height rules above give you the answer, and we are happy to confirm via the contact page.
Frequently asked
How high can a fence be without planning permission?
Up to 2m high in most locations, but only 1m high where it is next to a highway used by vehicles. Above those heights you need planning permission.
Do I need permission for a fence next to a listed building?
Yes: fences, gates and walls that are part of, within the curtilage of, or on a boundary with a listed building fall outside permitted development and need consent. We can advise on the right application.
Not sure where your project stands?
Checking whether you need planning permission is one of the first things we do: on the house, before any drawings. Tell us about your project and we'll confirm the route.