Do I Need Planning Permission To Build A Fence In England?

fence-posts

Home renovations offer a fantastic opportunity to enhance the aesthetics, comfort, and security of your property. Building a fence is one such exterior improvement that can significantly impact your property’s look and function. However, amidst the excitement of upgrading your property, it’s crucial to ask: “Do I need a permit to put up a fence?”

Building a fence is one of the simplest exterior improvements you can make inline with those objectives. However, in the excitement of upgrading a property, many homeowners forget to consider whether or not they need planning permission before installing a fence. 

Furthermore, if you are planning on building a fence in your garden or paddock you should be aware of the UK’s property boundaries rules. It can help you avoid future conflicts with your neighbours. 

 

Understanding Planning Permission for Fencing

The UK’s property boundary rules and planning permissions play a vital role in home improvements, especially when building a fence in your garden or paddock. Being aware of these rules can help you avoid future conflicts with your neighbours and ensure a smooth renovation process.

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Fencing That Requires Planning Permission

Certain fencing projects require you to apply for planning permission as per the planning regime for England. For instance, if you’re planning on installing a fence or gate over 1 metre high, you will need to apply for planning permission.

There are exceptions to this rule, such as if your house is located in a vulnerable area. In such cases, regardless of the height of the fence, you’ll need planning permission due to an article 4 direction or a local planning condition. Similarly, properties of national importance or those next to a listed building, structure, or land also require an application for planning permission.

Large-paddock

Fencing That Doesn’t Require Planning Permission

On the flip side, some fencing projects do not require planning permission. Improvements to an existing fence can proceed legally unless they involve increasing the fence’s height. The same applies if you’re taking down your current fence, unless your property is in a conservation area. The Wildlife Assessment Check free tool can help you determine this.

Even though hedges are not strictly fences, they’re also included in the list of builds permitted without prior consent.

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Which Side Of The Fence Is My Responsibility?

In England and Wales, the exact boundary between two properties or who owns the fence between two properties isn’t usually recorded. This ambiguity could result in the fence you build being co-owned by your neighbour.

To avoid future problems, first, check your deeds for any existing boundary agreements. If none are in place, you can discuss and resolve this with your neighbour or opt to make an official boundary agreement. If the deeds show a “T” on your side of the boundary line, you are the sole owner of the fence. Two attached “T” markers indicate joint ownership and responsibility.

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How High Can a Fence Be Without Planning Permission?

The height of a fence without planning permission is one of the key considerations when building a fence. Generally, if your fence or gate is over 1 metre high and next to a highway used by vehicles or the footpath of such a highway, or over 2 metres high elsewhere, you’ll need to apply for planning permission.

Remember, knowing the answer to “Do I need a permit to put up a fence?” can save you from potential disputes and additional costs. So, before you begin your fencing project, ensure you understand the rules around planning permissions and property boundaries.

FAQ’s About Fencing and Planning Permissions

Q: Do I need a permit to put up a fence?
A: In some cases, yes. If your fence or gate is over 1 metre high next to a highway used by vehicles or its footpath, or over 2 metres high elsewhere, you’ll need to apply for planning permission. Always check with your local planning authority to confirm.

Q: What is the height of a fence without planning permission?
A: Typically, fences or gates not exceeding 1 metre in height next to a highway used by vehicles or its footpath, or 2 metres high elsewhere, can be erected without planning permission.

Q: How high can a fence be without planning permission?
A: A fence can typically be up to 1 metre high if it’s next to a highway used by vehicles or the footpath of such a highway, or up to 2 metres high elsewhere, without needing planning permission.

Q: What can I do if I’m unsure about my property boundaries?
A: It’s recommended to check your property deeds for any existing boundary agreements. If none exist, consider discussing the matter with your neighbour or creating an official boundary agreement.

Q: What can I do if I’m unsure about my property boundaries?
A: It’s recommended to check your property deeds for any existing boundary agreements. If none exist, consider discussing the matter with your neighbour or creating an official boundary agreement.

Q: Do hedges require planning permission?
A: No, hedges do not require planning permission. However, they must be maintained and not cause a nuisance to neighbours or obstruct public paths.

Bespoke Fencing Services

If you are looking to enhance the aesthetics of your site whilst providing a higher level of security with a brand new fence, at K&S Fencing we can help. Get in touch to discuss your requirements or if you have any questions regarding England’s fence-building regulations.  

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