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Property/DIY

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Original poster

Fence height

13 replies

MonkeyChiselTree · 02/09/2023 20:50

I have a question if anyone knows the answer.

Our garden has lots of different levels. At the moment we have hedges so it's not an issue but we're hoping to get a dog and will replace the hedges with fences.

I believe fences can only be 6ft before needing planning permission. But 6ft panels on high level ground would be higher than 6ft in total if you're below it (our neighbours are about 6ft below us). If we put fences in it would be about 8ft extra on that side because of how the ground slopes. Is that allowed? As long as the fence panel is 6ft presumably if it's on a high step of soil and brick retaining wall that's fine? I don't expect an argument with the neighbours but I'd like to avoid one!

OP posts:

MikeRafone · 02/09/2023 21:09

If the fence is to prevent the dog escaping, would a 5ft fence do the job? Thus lowering the total height for your neighbours and probably the cost for you.

Original poster

MonkeyChiselTree · 02/09/2023 21:33

I want a 6ft fence but I'm just checking where the 6ft is counted from. Presuming it's just a panel thing rather than a ground height thing.

I don't want to be able to look into my neighbours garden and DH and I are both 6ft.

OP posts:

elaeocarpus · 02/09/2023 21:59

I'm pretty sure if it's on your land it can be 6ft from your ground level. I am 'lower' than a neighbour one side and there is a 6ft fence atop a brick retaining wall- so its a good 3m from ground level my side.

Soapyspuds · 02/09/2023 23:28

You are allowed 6 feet 6 inches.

Original poster

MonkeyChiselTree · 02/09/2023 23:30

elaeocarpus · 02/09/2023 21:59

That's pretty much our scenario too thanks.

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Hadalifeonce · 02/09/2023 23:33

You can erect a 2 metre high fence on your land with no planning permission, if it happens to be 10 feet high from your neighbour's perspective, I believe this to be irrelevant. I am not legally trained, just have erected a few fences in my life.

Tryingtomoveisdrivingmecrazy · 03/09/2023 08:15

Perhaps go and discuss it with your neighbours before you build the fence. They may not have any concerns at the height of the fence, but if they do, a bit of a discussion and compromise on the height may affect you far less than a lifetime of difficult relations with your neighbour - especially if you are planning to get a dog that may well add barking to the equation!! Sometimes it about more than just the legalities.

ClematisBlue49 · 03/09/2023 11:36

I was in a similar position many years ago. I spoke to the neighbours before erecting a 6ft fence. There had been no fence at all previously and very little planting, so they seemed pleased about it - especially as I intended to pay for it all myself. Unfortunately, once it was in place they complained about the height and never spoke to me again! It may be that they misheard me, or just hadn't visualised what impact a 6ft fence would have. So I'd suggest being very clear with your neighbours, and if you sense any hesitation on their part, consider a lower fence with some trellis on top, and shrubs or climbing plants for privacy.

Frosty1000 · 03/09/2023 13:22

It's fitted along your boundary so it'll be the 6ft at that level and whatever it is for your neighbour that's lower than you.

We did it last year and our new fence is about 8 ft for our neighbours.

Seeline · 03/09/2023 14:43

You're allowed up to 2m without PP, measured from the ground it is sited on. Yes, that may mean it is higher for your neighbours.
The exception is if the fence is adjacent to a vehicular highway where the maximum height allowed is 1 m.

Original poster

MonkeyChiselTree · 03/09/2023 21:23

That's a good point about the highway thank you. This boundary isn't but the one it would connect to at right angles is. Presumably I would need to get planning permission then @Seeline ? It's a 50mph rural road with trees, shrubs etc up a high embankment (hence neighbour being much lower).

I went and had a look at the area today (overgrown so a bit of guesswork as to where the land level was). It's a couple of feet higher nearer the house then slopes towards the neighbour. If I levelled it out to make my garden flat I could build a retaining wall and then have the 2m fence on top so it might be around 10ft on the neighbours' side.

OP posts:

Seeline · 03/09/2023 22:00

The height of the fence is measured from the natural ground level, so you couldn't build a retaining wall and then put a 2m fence on that.

If you are levelling your garden, that in itself might require PP as it could be classed as an engineering operation. It sounds as though you would be taking it down by 4' which is significant.

I think you probably need to speak to your planning department about both elements and ask for their views.

Original poster

MonkeyChiselTree · 03/09/2023 22:43

It just sort of slopes off towards the end towards the neighbours house. The neighbour has a fence that is about 8ft high already and has an existing retaining wall behind it. Then there's a massive overgrown hedge on our side and a sheer drop onto the neighbours' patio. It's about a 2ft drop from the start of the slope to the end of the garden. It's hard to tell as it's so overgrown!

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