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Original poster

Neighbours building an 8ft fence... :o(

46 replies

gluteustothemaximus · 24/06/2017 22:57

Neighbours have decided to put up a fence, to replace what was there before (a 6ft fence).

We've seen the posts going in, and they measure over 7 1/2 ft tall.

Working out what they've done, they are going from the height of their decking, which is a foot off ground level.

So basically, when all is said and done, we'll have an 8ft fence our side.

The most obvious thing would be to talk to them about it, which we will do, but not looking forward to it.

But, anyone know if they are able to build an 8ft fence? If it looks 6ft6 from their garden level?

Would anyone else have an issue with this? Just feel like it's going to be a bit prison yardy. Plus we have a 6ft fence the other side, so it's going to look a bit weird. Mostly we're worried about the light (or lack of) coming through. An extra 2 ft would be quite a lot.

OP posts:
IdaDown · 24/06/2017 23:00

Check with your local planning dept on Monday. Usually it's 6ft but there are exceptions - height and type of fence.

Floggingmolly · 24/06/2017 23:00

The maximum height allowed is 2 metres, so around 6 and a half feet.
The fact that they're putting it on top of 2 feet high decking is their tough shit, basically.

PeaFaceMcgee · 24/06/2017 23:02

I think legally it's 2m max height from original, unaltered ground level. Suggest if it's horrid looking for you, you have that awkward chat, yes - and hope you don't need to get planning dept onto them.

Original poster
gluteustothemaximus · 24/06/2017 23:03

Thank for replies..

I will check with planning dept on Monday, to check on rules and exceptions, thanks.

I did think that 6ft or thereabouts was the limit for garden fences, and DH and I both think it's not from where you fancy (i.e newly built decking) but should be from the ground level.

OP posts:
Original poster
gluteustothemaximus · 24/06/2017 23:05

Unaltered ground level sounds good to me.

Oh, god, the awkward chat.

OP posts:
OnTheRise · 24/06/2017 23:06

You'll need to check for yourself, but there are limits on the height of fencing that people are allowed to put in without planning permission etc. It's measured from ground level, not from the height of their decking, and I think the limit for a fence between two gardens is 2m unless you're talking about listed buildings, or the fence borders a road.

Your best bet is to speak to your local council and ask for their advice. Or to consider if you want it lower, because if your neighbours are out on their decking they'd be peering down at you from a great height if the fence were much lower.

SleightOfHand · 24/06/2017 23:11

I'd say that'll be fine. Is your garden very thin?

ExplodedCloud · 24/06/2017 23:14

They might be going to put 6ft panels with 2ft trellis up?

PlainJane29 · 24/06/2017 23:16

Clearly they want some privacy from YOU, op!

I think you may be on a road to nowhere by knocking their door and trying to tell them what they can do in their own garden...

Original poster
gluteustothemaximus · 24/06/2017 23:17

Or to consider if you want it lower, because if your neighbours are out on their decking they'd be peering down at you from a great height if the fence were much lower.

Yes, we did think about this too. This is more confusing now, as they've built an extra ft above ground level. So either we want it 5ft 6 their side, and 6ft 6 our side, but then we could see tops of their heads but not me because I am tiny 5ft 2 or we stay with this and have it too high.

Not sure now. I think I'd prefer it shorter really. At most I think we'd see hair walking along.

OP posts:
Floralnomad · 24/06/2017 23:17

The bigger the fence the better as far as I'm concerned , however they probably do need to apply for permission if they want to go over 2m .

TheAlchemist101 · 24/06/2017 23:18

If the fence is lowered to 2m then their heads will be bobbing over the top when standing on their decking - so annoying either way

Original poster
gluteustothemaximus · 24/06/2017 23:21

Yes, our garden is small. So it will feel bad with a high fence.

Clearly they want some privacy from YOU, op! haha Grin

I hate confrontation, I don't want to tell people what to do, but I feel like this is a bit taking the piss. They have a huge garden (3 times the size) and our garden is small, so privacy wise....they could go down the other end Grin

OP posts:
Foslady · 24/06/2017 23:21

If you go on the web page you can adapt to what type of house

PoppyTree · 24/06/2017 23:22

That's awful.

We were contemplating putting up a 6 footer, but it seemed too high! So we put a 5 footer up - then we could see heads bobbing about LOL. So we settled on putting a one foot high trellis on top and are growing some nice plants through the gaps. We have nice privacy, but we can still say hello to the neighbour. Although we like our neighbour, we - and they - want privacy,

Anything higher than 6 foot is awful imo - for a neighbour fence . Yes if it's at the bottom of the garden - and a public footpath runs along the bottom or something, but not a neighbour fence no. I would tell the neighbour you're afraid an 8 foot fence is going to block the light out. Which it might do!

Pooka · 24/06/2017 23:22

Planning permission required for a fence higher than 2m. Measured from ground level (I.e. Not from raised decking).

Pooka · 24/06/2017 23:24

And decking needs planning permission if it is raised more than 30cm above ground level.

BandeauSally · 24/06/2017 23:24

This is a timely thread for me. My garden fence is about 5.5/6 feet. However I've had problems with my neighbours and the woman in particular likes to glare over the fence at me every chance she DS. Also they have a trampoline beside it and their Dc have taken her cue and stand on it and stare at me through my kitchen window. They also shout over the fence at me when I'm in the garden. I had decided to put up trellis to try and prevent this but reading this thread has made me wonder if I will be allowed to? I was thinking of only havjng around a foot/foot and a half of trellis.

PoppyTree · 24/06/2017 23:25

If the fence is lowered to 2m then their heads will be bobbing over the top when standing on their decking - so annoying either way

Oh gosh of course yes! I forgot about the 2 foot high decking!

In that case, I would rather have an 8 foot fence than have people gawping over my fence as the top of theirs only comes up to their chests! What about a compromise. A five footer on top of the decking?

Pooka · 24/06/2017 23:26

6 foot 6 would be 2m so you can add trellis to that height without planning permission. Measured from ground level.

coconuttella · 24/06/2017 23:26

Pretty sure your neighbours are breaking planning rules by doing this. Maximum permitted height without permission is 2m.

Charlotteswigwam · 24/06/2017 23:27

Clearly they want some privacy from YOU, op!

Unless there is going to be a massive drip feed revealing the OP is in fact 8 foot tall/wears stilts when in the garden that seems excessive....

Original poster
gluteustothemaximus · 24/06/2017 23:28

I like the trellis idea, thanks everyone.

That could be a compromise for both of us. I do not want issues with the neighbours.

That way at least we wouldn't lose the light.

OP posts:
Original poster
gluteustothemaximus · 24/06/2017 23:30

Unless there is going to be a massive drip feed revealing the OP is in fact 8 foot tall/wears stilts when in the garden that seems excessive

Grin I'm 5ft 2, and not partial to wearing stilts Grin

OP posts: