Rules & permissions
Fence Height Rules and Planning Permission
2m at the rear, 1m where the boundary adjoins a highway — with important exceptions for conservation areas, listed buildings and covenants.
Height rules cause more boundary disputes than any other single issue, and the general position in England is simpler than most people expect. The exceptions are where it gets interesting — and where a quick call to your council saves a rebuild.
The general rule
Under permitted development you can normally erect a fence, wall or gate up to 2m high, reducing to 1m where it adjoins a highway used by vehicles (or the footpath beside it). Trellis counts towards the total height — a 1.8m fence with 300mm trellis on top is a 2.1m structure.
Front gardens and corner plots
Front boundaries facing a road are the common trap: 1m is the default limit, and on corner plots highway sight-lines can effectively require lower still. We normally recommend picket or low rail with planting behind, which gives definition without a permission problem.
When permitted development doesn't apply
Check with your local planning authority before ordering materials if any of the following apply.
- The property is listed, or the boundary encloses a listed building
- You are in a conservation area with an Article 4 direction
- The site is new-build and covered by a planning condition or estate covenant restricting boundary treatments
- The fence would obstruct visibility at a junction or access
Neighbour agreement is separate from planning
Planning permission and boundary ownership are different questions. Even where a height is permitted, you cannot attach to or build on a neighbour's fence without agreement. We always suggest a short written note to the neighbour before work starts — it costs nothing and prevents most disputes.
Frequently asked
Can I add trellis to make my fence 2.4m?
Not under permitted development — trellis counts towards the overall height, so anything above 2m needs consent.
Does the 1m rule apply to my driveway gate?
Yes, gates adjoining a vehicular highway fall under the same 1m limit unless you have permission.
Are the rules different in conservation areas?
Permitted development rights are often restricted, and materials as well as height can be controlled. Always check before ordering.
Who decides which side the smooth face goes?
There is no law on this. Convention puts the finished face towards the neighbour, and we build to whatever you and they agree.
Want this priced properly for your garden?
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