What is the maximum fence height without planning permission?

Under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (Schedule 2, Part 2, Class A), fences up to 2 metres tall do not normally need planning permission. However, if the fence is adjacent to a highway used by vehicular traffic or a public footpath, the limit drops to 1 metre. These limits apply to the total height of the fence including any trellis, wall or other structure it sits on.

Does trellis count toward the fence height limit?

Yes. The permitted development height limit applies to the total height of the enclosure, not just the solid fence portion. If you have a 1.8m fence with a 0.3m trellis on top, the total height is 2.1m — which exceeds the 2m limit and would require planning permission. Similarly, if a fence sits on top of a retaining wall, the wall height is included in the total.

Do conservation areas have different fence rules?

The basic permitted development height limits (2m rear, 1m highway) still apply in conservation areas. However, your local council may have imposed Article 4 directions that remove permitted development rights for fences in your area. This means you could need planning permission even for a fence under 2m. Always check with your local planning authority if you live in a conservation area.

Can I replace an existing fence with one the same height?

Generally, yes. Like-for-like replacement of an existing fence in the same position and at the same height is usually acceptable, even if the original fence was erected before current planning rules came into force. However, if the fence was originally built with planning permission that included conditions, those conditions still apply. When in doubt, check with your local council.

Who owns the boundary fence between two properties?

Check your property title deeds. The "T" marks on the boundary plan indicate ownership — the T points toward the property that owns the fence. If there are T marks on both sides (an "H" shape), it is a party fence owned jointly. If there are no T marks, there is no presumption of ownership. Despite the common myth, there is no rule that you own the fence on the left side of your property.

Fence Height Calculator — Planning Permission Check

Check whether your proposed fence height needs planning permission under UK permitted development rules. Includes trellis, conservation area and listed building checks.

Fence Height

Height of the fence panels or boards from ground level

Location

Highway frontage has a lower height limit (1m vs 2m)

Adding trellis topper?

Trellis height is included in the total fence height

Conservation area?

Your council may have additional restrictions in conservation areas

Listed building?

Listed buildings always need consent for fences, walls or gates

How We Calculate This

This calculator checks your proposed fence height against the permitted development rules set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015, specifically Schedule 2, Part 2, Class A.

The key rules

2 metres maximum — fences, walls and gates not adjacent to a highway
1 metre maximum — fences, walls and gates adjacent to a highway used by vehicular traffic or a public footpath
Height is measured from natural ground level on the highest side
The limit applies to the total height of the enclosure, including any wall, fence, trellis or railing combined

How height is measured

Height is measured from the natural ground level on the highest side of the fence to the top of the highest point (including trellis, finials, or any other topper). If the fence sits on top of a retaining wall, the wall height is included in the total. For sloping ground, each section is measured from its own ground level.

What counts as a highway?

A “highway” in planning law includes any road, lane, footpath, bridleway or byway that the public has a right to use. This is broader than just main roads — it includes quiet residential streets, cul-de-sacs, and public footpaths that run along your boundary. If in doubt, your council can confirm whether your boundary fronts a highway.

Exceptions

Listed buildings — always need listed building consent for any fence, wall or gate
Conservation areas — councils may have Article 4 directions removing permitted development rights
Planning conditions — your property may have conditions restricting fences
Covenants — your title deeds may include restrictive covenants about fence heights