Whether you’re looking to refresh your garden, enhance your home's security, or keep pets safely enclosed, installing a fence is a brilliant way to improve your property. However, before you start building, you need to know how high a fence can be in the UK without needing planning permission. 

In this blog, our Stellar Gates experts will take you through the legal heights of different fences, how to accurately measure them, and how to avoid penalties for improper fencing.

The maximum heights of different fences

In the UK, all boundary structures, including timber fencing, garden gates, brick walls, etc fall under Permitted Development rights. These rules outline which structural alterations home and property owners can make without having to apply for formal planning permission.

Front garden and road boundary fences

Maximum height: 1.0 Metre (3ft 3in)

This applies to fences, walls, or gates next to public roads, highways or footpaths. This is the maximum height of a fence without planning permission requirements and is intended to ensure public safety by ensuring visibility for drivers entering and exiting their drives. This height also helps to prevent pedestrian hazards as both drivers and people on footpaths have clear views of each other.

Rear and side gardens fences 

Maximum 2 Metres (6ft 6in)

This applies to fences in back gardens or on the sides of a property that are not next to vehicular footpaths or public roads. The total length of your fence must measure 2 metres from the ground level to the highest point of the structure. This fence height allows for additional privacy in private gardens and limits visibility into homes from the sides whilst staying within Permitted Development rights.

This rule also applies to trellis frames used on fences for added privacy or plants. The total height of your trellis and fence must still be 2 metres or under in order to avoid planning permission. 

What are the exceptions and restrictions for fence heights? 

Standard Permitted Development rights don’t apply to every property, and there are some circumstances where height restrictions differ.

• Listed buildings: Permitted Development rights typically don’t apply for heritage sites and planning permission is always required before altering or adding any fencing or boundaries to these properties. 

• Conservation sites: Properties in Conservation Areas and National Parks face restrictions based on localised boundaries.

• Article 4 directions: Local councils can restrict PD rights in order to preserve local architecture with Article 4 directions. 

• Open plan estates: Some modern housing developments have legal restrictions or existing planning conditions regarding front fences or hedges, in which case property deeds need to be checked before installing any fencing. 

How to correctly measure fence height 

In order to ensure you comply with UK building standards, there are a few steps you need to take when measuring your fence. When calculating your gate or fence height, always start from the ground up to the tallest point of your fence.

• Always ensure all measurements are collected before you decide to install your fence to ensure you’re not breaking the height regulations. 

• Ensure you include gravel boards. Gravel boards add additional height, so you need to ensure your fence is under 6ft to account for the extra height these boards add.

• Include fence posts and finials as the highest point when measuring, and be sure to start from the ground. 

• Always make sure you calculate fence height from the highest point of ground next to your fence line.

What happens if your fence exceeds height limits?

If your fence is taller than the legal height under PD, local authorities can take a number of different steps. 

Issuing enforcement notices

If you have a fence that exceeds the Permitted Development limits, your local council can order you to lower your fence to the correct height or remove it completely. These expenses will also fall to you as the property owner to rectify this issue. 

Retrospective planning permission 

Homeowners are able to apply for planning permission after construction but there is no guarantee it will be approved. In this case, you’ll have to pay for removal or adjusting the height of your fencing alongside paying for the application fees. 

Changes to grace periods 

Historically, many property owners relied on the rule that unapproved structures become immune to enforcement after a 4-year period. However, recent changes to legislation mean that it’s too late to take this chance, and it can lead to penalisation or enforcement. 

What are the alternatives to fencing?

If a 2-metre fence doesn’t offer the privacy and security you need for your property, there are alternative options that you can explore that stay within PD rules.

High Hedges and living screens

If you have a natural high hedge or climbing plant, these don’t fall under the typical fence height limitations. Although hedges that block lots of light have their own limitations, adding climbing plants or trees like oak, maple and birch are a great way to get some extra height for privacy without height limitations. 

Independent structures 

Pergolas or gazebos can offer additional privacy in the garden of up to 2.5 metres under PD, as long as these structures are set away from the fence boundary line. 

Garden and driveway gates

Investing in premium timber garden gates or driveway gates is another way to ensure you conform to height restrictions whilst also keeping your property safe and secure.

Ensure compliance and safety with the right fences

By now you should have all the information you need to understand how high a fence can be in the UK, but if you want to simplify the process and ensure you’re compliant, our experts at Stellar Gates are here to help.

We’ll ensure any fence you purchase for your property is compliant with any property regulations and measured to the right height. 

Get a quote on your fencing project today and let us transform your home with durable, secure fencing solutions.