Is Planning Permission Required For A Fence?

Our domestic conveyancing team get asked a lot of questions by homeowners in Peterborough. One of the commonly asked questions is if panning permission is required for a fence. Like most things in law, this is not a simple yes or no answer. This is why we recommend you speak to our conveyancers to ensure that you install your fence legally.

For now, let’s look at if planning permission is required for a fence and how.

There are strict conditions that your need to adhere too. However, you can erect a new fence without planning permission. You can also maintain, alter or take down an existing fence. However, this is dependent on the issue of adverse possession of land, more commonly known as squatters’ rights.

There are legal considerations surrounding the height of the fence too. If the fence is alongside a highway that is used by vehicles, it cannot exceed more than one metre in height, from ground level. In all other areas, your fence must not exceed two metres in heigh, from ground level. If there is an existing fence in place, the height of it must not be increased.

Different regulations come into play for listed buildings though. As with all works on or around listed buildings, there will be rules and restrictions that you need to be aware of. In the case of fences, you will almost certainly need planning permission for any part of the property that is included as a listed building or within the curtilage. This is also the case if the fence forms a boundary with a neighbouring listed building or its curtilage.

There are also various local orders in place, where planning permission is required, or can be denied if it is thought the fence will affect the character or an area of importance. This is often the case around conservation areas for example. Our local conveyancing solicitors in Peterborough are aware of local laws and legislations. We will be happy to advise you before planning permission applications are made.

You will find that if you live within or near a conservation area, planning permission may be required to demolish a fence. This is the case if it is more than one metre in height and next to a highway, or over two metres in height in a different area.

Here our conveyancers in Peterborough have given you a rough outline of planning permission required for fences. Please speak to our conveyancing solicitors directly for advice and guidance on your fence queries.