What would be the ideal solution to put a new fence up - different land levels?

[PinkLillly]

My garden is a good 3ft higher than my neighbour, perhaps even a bit more. The current fence is mine. I want to put a whole new fence up, something solidly built to withstand winter winds & with a trellis on top. Currently, I have concrete posts with numerous concrete 'gravel boards' slotted in & a 4ft fence on top. This is no good as the top is only chest high my side & I can see straight into their house. I'm wondering whether I need to build a proper retaining wall & then a decent fence on top of that?

For a 3 ft height difference, you do need to retain the soil of the neighbouring plot but a retaining wall will need foundations and these will possibly be on your neighbour’s land as well as yours. You could have it entirely on your land if you have room. It’s easily the best solution but it won’t be cheap. You will also end up with a 9ft structure from their side so check if that is permitted. It might not be. 6ft for a fence.