Fence Height Calculator — Planning Permission Check

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 vehicular highway (this includes boundaries alongside a pedestrian-only footpath)
• 1 metre maximum — fences, walls and gates adjacent to a highway used by vehicular traffic (including a pavement or verge that runs alongside such a road)
• 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 used by vehicular traffic?

The 1 metre limit in Class A.1(a) is keyed specifically to a highway used by vehicular traffic — not to every public right of way. Quiet residential streets, cul-de-sacs and a pavement or verge running alongside such a road all count. A pedestrian-only public footpaththat does not run beside a vehicular road is generally subject to the 2 metre limit instead. The Order does not define “vehicular traffic”, and councils may read it broadly to include cycle paths or bridleways, so confirm with your local planning authority in borderline cases.

Which countries does this cover?

These figures are for England, under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (SI 2015/596). Scotland (GPDO 1992), Wales (GPDO 1995) and Northern Ireland (GPD Order (NI) 2015) each have their own separate orders. The 1 metre / 2 metre limits are broadly similar across the UK, but the legislation and some detail differ — confirm locally if you are outside England.

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