Fence Height

[ZiggyZowie]

Just newly moved into mid terraced cottage,
Some of the fencing missing in back garden, the rest is 6 ft which is common height round here
We've had a workman renew all of it except one bit beside us which is only 4 ft high and
Whenever we are outside this neighbours talks to us and is very friendly.
However, she rang doorbell when she saw fencing going up and has asked us not to put up 6 ft at her bit as she doesn't want to be " boxed in "
My DH doesn't want to fall out with her but I want to continue the 6 ft fencing partly as I want a dog and need to keep it safe.
What would you do ?

I’d tell her you plan on getting a dog so will compromise at a 5’ bit there with a trellis on top bringing it up to 6’ - she can still see through it and you get a 6’ fence . If she’s not happy with that then it’s a 6’ fence .

Tough shit, I'd have 6ft.

I'd have told said neighbour to fuck off and build a 4ft fence on her own property.

Shame that fence height cant be 8ft or 10ft tall.

Good fences make for good neighbours - especially if you cant see them.

Could you put in a 4 ft fence but then grow a tall hedge right behind it?

Really? How sad.

Why is it sad?

Many people enjoy the privacy that taller fences provide.

Fair enough if you arent one of them, but I'd wager that more people than not would always want taller fences than a 4ft one.

If it's your fence you can put up what you like. Hard to tell if she's thinking that or it's an excuse and she just wants to see in/chat. I think 4ft fence is so awkward as you feel like people are looking in but also like you're looking out to them.

If you feel bad just say about the dog as the reason.

Yeah, whenever we go out they are there as they sit in a conservatory there, I don't mind occasionally chatting but not every time I go out especially when it's freezing weather and you're stood there for 20 minutes trying to get away.
I think I'll go with the 6 feet. She's actually got a bit of garden further up that isn't
" boxed in" as she puts it .

We are in narrow terraces and went with 4ft plus 2 ft trellis, to give more light across gardens while still having privacy. We kept it 6ft fence in the bits near the house though for privacy when we are sitting right outside.
Previous set up was low chicken wire fence which apparently everyone liked when it was a small terrace full of old ladies who were all best friends - but now it’s all young / older families and we appreciate more space and separation.

Why would anyone want to keep a 4ft fence? That height means the neighbour can see right into your garden every time you step out there, I'd loathe that. Get a 6ft fence and keep your privacy.

That's exactly what we've got here !

It's all old ladies and 3 foot chicken wire fences ! They've all lived there donkeys years and some have no fencing to mark boundaries.

I like to know exactly where my boundaries are though so I've got most of it done now at 6 ft apart from this person's right beside me. She came round in a bit if a state, but I really don't want her looking in. Her husband stands there and shouts over and it's annoying if you're just putting the bins out.
I'm also going to get one of those office privacy screens for when I sit out in the summer.

IMHO, everyone is entitled to privacy in their own back garden. If it is a shared fence, it needs to be agreed with your neighbour. If it is your fence, you can install up to 6 & 1/2 feet legally. Otherwise stick one in front, you'll loose a little garden space but it will he worth it.

We put up a 7 foot fence to replace a rotten falling to pieces 18 year old fence, that neighbours refused to helo replace; it was beyond patch up jobs. Neighbours agreed to the 7 foot; they weren't paying a penny towards it unfortunately, but the privacy is worth it, and I can finally relax! We even did their side of the alley, they haven't once said it looks nice; they're scroungers unfortunately with more money than us!

You're well within your rights to install a 6ft fence, and many gardens now have fencing of that height. However, doing so may cause tension with your neighbours and you have to ask if it is worth going to war with someone you have to live next to.

A good compromise could be installing a 4ft fence and suggesting a uniform look by opting for a 2ft trellis topper. Trellis toppers allow light through, prevent the space from feeling enclosed, and still offer privacy. Something like these Fence Toppers | Fencing & Trellis | Jacksons Fencing

This is a nice idea with topper panels. Hopefully it will help show that you are being considerate.

This blog also talks about topper panels as a way to build a higher fence without upsetting neighbours.

www.fenceinfo.co.uk/2025/02/neighbours-and-fencing-keeping-peace.html?m=1

Yes it's not worth falling out. I think I'll go with 5 ft and 1 ft trellis topper.

I wouldn't bother with the trellis part. It costs more and offers zero privacy. Plus you'll have mismatched fences around different parts of your garden. Ugly. You are allowed to install 2 m which is about 6.5'. I'd go with that in a solid fence and blame the dog.

Sounds like a good idea. I really like our trellis top bit. It’s good to grow plants along etc. Better to have it full height right by the back of the house though.

For the amount of money you spend on fences and trellis tat, you may as well save a few quid and get a proper 6ft fence.

Fuck what the neighbours think, especially if they arent paying or contributing towards it.

Get a proper 6ft fence. You shouldn't be able to see your neighbours over the fence. This isn't the 1940s. I think you just need to explain that 6ft is standard these days and whilst you really like your neighbour, you do value a bit of privacy.