Do I Need Planning Permission for a Fence?

Planning permission can be something of a maze at the best of times, so when it comes to your fencing you’ll want to make sure you’re abiding by the rules and regulations. 

Your fence is essentially your border around your property, keeping intruders out while ensuring your adventurous little ones are kept where you can monitor them. That’s why this month at Bosaco, we’re going to take a look at the common planning permission questions for fencing to make things easier.

Any project you plan for your property is always exciting, but it’s always a good idea to remember to check things like planning permission first. Here’s our quick guide to the basics of fencing and planning permission rules.

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Fence?

The answer to this question depends a lot upon exactly where your property is and the intended height of your fencing. Here are there three main rules to keep in mind for fence planning permission:

• If your property is next to a highway that is in use by vehicles – or a pedestrian footpath for that road – then the maximum height of your fence must be 1 metre. This is because a taller fence might obscure the view of the road for drivers, however, you can apply for planning permission to extend the height in these situations (though it may not always be granted).

• If your property is not next to a highway, then you can have a fence that reaches 2 metres in height above the ground level. It should be noted that this height includes the use of any trellis topping for your fence, so be sure to factor that in too.

• If your home is a listed building or is part of a conservation area, then you may need to apply for planning permission before you start to put up any fencing. If you’re unsure about whether your property falls into such an area, it’s always best to check.

How High can my Fence be?

As mentioned in the rules above, you’re allowed to have a fence that goes as high as two metres without planning permission in most cases. This is standard for most properties, but of course, if you wish to have a fence taller than this, this is the point at which you’ll need to seek permission. 

There may be a number of reasons you wish to have a taller fence, but it’ll be up to your local planning office to grant this, and that may involve consulting neighbours who might object to abnormally high fencing – particularly if you’re on an estate of houses all with the same standard fence size.

You should always stick to the planning permission guidelines, as your neighbours can legally object to your fence if it doesn’t meet the necessary height requirements – or if it is not within your property boundary, which brings us to the next common question.

How Do I Know who owns the Fence?

Who owns the fence? That’s the tricky aspect of fencing if you want to replace existing structures. The answer to this falls under what is in your property deeds, which will detail the boundary of what you own. Contrary to the common idea that you simply own the fencing to your right, it’s actually about whether the fence posts are on your land. Any fence panels that fall within your boundary are your responsibility. The truly confusing part is getting hold of those deeds which show and define the property boundary.

With that said, we recommend always speaking to your neighbours before putting up, replacing or demolishing any fencing. We find you’re much more likely to get cooperation from neighbours by simply having a chat with them. You might find that, after talking with them, they’re happy for a fence to be put up or for old fencing to be replaced.

The Benefits of a Garden Fencing

Fencing for your garden is almost instinctive for most homeowners these days, but here’s why it’s a good investment for your property:

• Creates a tidy look – By erecting new fencing, you can neatly define your garden
• Keeps children and pets safe – We all know animals and young children love to explore, but a fence can allow them to play safely within the confines of your garden for your peace of mind.
• Good for climbing plants – If you’re a fan of climbing plants, your fencing and any trellis topping is ideal for them to latch onto.
• Privacy – These days, most homes border other properties, so it’s nice to get a little privacy by having fencing in between. It doesn’t mean you can’t invite neighbours over, but it does stop people from wandering or looking into your garden without permission.

Choose a reliable Fencing company

Thinking about fencing for your property but don’t want the hassle of installing it? Here at Bosaco, we’re professional landscaping experts for Nottingham. We offer a range of services, including fencing installation for a range of fence styles. No matter what look you want to achieve, we can help you create a robust and tidy border for your property, helping you navigate planning permission issues if you’re unsure about the topic.

Contact us for a free, no-obligation quotation for fencing around your home and we’ll be happy to help.