UK Fence Height Rules Explained: 2 Metre Limit & Planning Permission

Fences, walls and gates in England can generally be built to 2 metres without planning permission, and to 1 metre where the boundary adjoins a highway used by vehicles, as set out by the Planning Portal. Furniture in Fashion explains the details that cause most problems: height is measured from ground level on the higher side of the boundary, trellis counts towards the total, and permitted development rights can be removed by estate planning conditions, Article 4 directions, listed building status, leases or restrictive covenants in title deeds. Our analysis tabulates the common UK boundary situations and what to check for each, separates planning permission from ownership and maintenance questions, and covers the High Hedges provisions that apply to evergreen hedges rather than fences. We also set out why screening close to a seating area achieves more privacy than a taller boundary. We close with the three checks to make before ordering fence panels....