Do I need planning permission for a fence, wall or gate?
Fences, walls and gates are permitted development in England up to set heights. Higher than that, or next to a listed building, and you need planning permission.
Check your own fence, wall or gate in about 20 seconds: we look up your postcode's official conservation area and Article 4 data and apply these rules to your home.
These are the rules for houses in England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own, similar but different. Flats and maisonettes have no householder permitted development rights.
Usually no planning permission needed if
- No more than 1m high next to a road used by vehicles (or the footpath beside it).
- No more than 2m high anywhere else.
- Replacing a fence with one the same height is fine even if it is over these limits.
You need planning permission if
- It is higher than those limits (including any trellis on top).
- It is round a listed building, or the house is listed.
- Your permitted development rights were removed by a planning condition or an Article 4 direction (ask the council, or check the planning history of your home).
- A planning condition on the estate keeps front gardens open.
Building regulations
No for fences and gates. A tall garden wall should be built to follow standard structural guidance.
Planning permission and building regulations are separate: a project can need one, both or neither.
Also think about
- Check which boundary is yours on your deeds before you replace a fence.
- Building a new wall on the boundary line itself needs a party wall notice.
Questions people ask
Does trellis count towards the 2m?
Yes. The height is measured from the ground to the top of the fence including any trellis.
How do I measure next to a slope?
From the ground on your side at each point. On a slope, take the highest ground next to the fence.
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General guidance from LocalWins, last checked October 2026. It is not legal advice or a planning decision, and every home is different: confirm anything important with your council or a qualified professional.