Rules & permissions
Fencing and Gates in Conservation Areas
In conservation areas the material and detail matter as much as the height — traditional close-board, painted picket and railings are the safe ground.
We work in several conservation areas across north London and Hertfordshire, and the pattern is consistent: councils care about what the boundary looks like from the street, and far less about what happens at the rear.
What usually gets accepted
Front boundaries are where scrutiny sits. Sympathetic, traditional treatments rarely cause trouble.
- Painted timber picket at 900mm–1m, on posts with proper caps
- Low brick dwarf wall with timber or metal railings above
- Traditional vertical close-board where the street pattern already uses it
- Estate railings and simple wrought-iron gates in the right proportion
What tends to cause problems
Composite panels, concrete post-and-panel systems and high solid boarding on a street frontage are the treatments most likely to attract comment. Rear boundaries not visible from the highway are usually far less constrained.
Article 4 directions
Some conservation areas carry an Article 4 direction removing permitted development rights for boundary treatments entirely. Where that applies, even a like-for-like replacement can need consent. Your council's planning portal will state whether a direction covers your street.
How we handle it
We match the neighbouring frontages, keep heights conservative, and provide the specification in writing so you can send it to the planning officer before we start. If a scheme looks likely to attract objection, we say so at the quote stage rather than after installation.
Frequently asked
Do I need consent to replace a like-for-like fence?
Usually not, unless an Article 4 direction applies or the property is listed. Check the direction status first.
Can I have a modern slatted fence at the front?
In some areas, yes — it depends on the street character and the officer. We recommend asking before ordering.
Are the rules different at the rear?
Generally much looser, since the test is impact on the character of the area as seen publicly.
Will you deal with the council for me?
We provide drawings and specifications you can submit; the application itself stays with the property owner.
Want this priced properly for your garden?
Free site visit across London and Hertfordshire, a written specification, and a fixed price. No obligation.