The short answer
Under permitted development rights in England, you can usually build or replace a garden fence up to 2 metres (about 6 feet 7 inches) high without planning permission. The limit drops to 1 metre (about 3 feet 3 inches) where the fence is next to a highway used by vehicles, or next to the footpath of such a highway. Height is measured from the ground level on the higher side of the fence. These limits assume your permitted development rights have not been removed and the property is not listed or in certain protected areas. Go above the limit and you need planning permission.
The most-asked fence question in Britain has a clear default answer, but the detail, especially the lower roadside limit and how height is measured, catches many homeowners out. Here is the full picture for England.
Fence height at a glance
- General limit2 metres (approx 6ft 7in) without permission
- Next to a highway1 metre (approx 3ft 3in)
- Measured fromGround level on the higher side
- Above the limitPlanning permission required
- Listed building / protected areaLimits may be stricter or removed
The 2 metre general limit
In England, the right to put up a fence, wall or gate without applying for planning permission comes from permitted development rules set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order. For most garden boundaries that are not next to a road, the maximum height you can build to without permission is 2 metres.
That covers the great majority of rear and side garden fences between neighbouring properties. As long as the fence stays at or below 2 metres, sits within your property, and your permitted development rights have not been restricted, you can erect or replace it without involving the council. If you want something taller, perhaps for privacy or to block noise, you must apply for planning permission for the extra height.
The 1 metre roadside limit
The lower limit catches people out. Where a fence is adjacent to a highway used by vehicles (or next to the footpath alongside such a highway), the permitted height without planning permission falls to just 1 metre. The reason is road safety and visibility: a tall fence right by the carriageway can obstruct sightlines for drivers and pedestrians.
This typically affects front garden fences facing the street and any boundary that runs alongside a road. So a 1.8 metre front fence that would be fine between two back gardens can require planning permission if it fronts a road. 'Highway' here includes ordinary public roads; a footpath that is not alongside a vehicle highway is treated differently. If in doubt about whether your boundary counts as roadside, your local planning authority can confirm.
| Fence location | Max height without permission |
|---|---|
| Between rear or side gardens | 2 metres |
| Next to a highway used by vehicles | 1 metre |
| Next to the footpath of such a highway | 1 metre |
| Above these limits | Planning permission needed |
| Listed building curtilage | Permission often needed even below 2m |
Permitted development height limits for fences in England. Source: GOV.UK / Planning Portal permitted development guidance.
How the height is measured
Height is measured from the natural ground level immediately beside the fence to the top of the fence. Where the ground is at different levels on each side, the measurement is taken from the higher ground level. This means a fence that looks 2 metres from your side may exceed the limit if your neighbour's land is lower, because the relevant measurement is from the higher side.
Two further points matter:
- Trellis and additions count. Adding a trellis topper or extending posts adds to the overall height, and the total must still be within the limit. A 2 metre fence with trellis on top exceeds 2 metres and would need permission.
- Posts and gravel boards count too. The whole structure is measured, not just the panels.
Getting the measurement reference point right is essential, because an honest mistake about ground level is a common reason fences end up over the limit without the owner realising.
When permitted development does not apply
The 2 metre and 1 metre limits assume your permitted development rights are intact. They can be reduced or removed in several situations:
- Listed buildings: a fence within the curtilage of a listed building often needs consent even below 2 metres, and listed building consent may also be required.
- Conservation areas and other designated land: additional controls can apply, so check before building.
- Article 4 directions: some areas have had permitted development rights withdrawn, meaning you must apply for permission you would otherwise not need.
- Planning conditions: a condition on the original permission for your home may restrict boundary heights.
- New-build estates: developer covenants frequently cap fence heights and styles regardless of planning rules.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own permitted development regimes with broadly similar but not identical limits, so always check the rules for your nation. When unsure, a quick call to your local planning authority or a pre-application enquiry is far cheaper than rebuilding a non-compliant fence.
What happens if a fence is too high
If you build a fence above the permitted limit without permission, the council can take planning enforcement action. That can mean a requirement to reduce the height or remove the fence. Enforcement is usually complaint-led, so a fence that upsets a neighbour or obstructs a road is more likely to be reported. The sensible course is to stay within the limits, or to apply for planning permission before going taller. Permission for additional height is sometimes granted where the impact on neighbours and the street scene is acceptable, but it is not guaranteed, so it is best sought in advance rather than retrospectively.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a 6ft fence without planning permission?
Yes, in most cases. A 6 foot fence is roughly 1.8 metres, which is within the 2 metre general limit for boundaries that are not next to a road. If the fence is next to a highway used by vehicles, the limit is 1 metre, so a 6 foot roadside fence would need planning permission.
How is fence height measured?
From the natural ground level next to the fence up to the top of the structure, including any trellis, posts or gravel boards. Where the ground is higher on one side, the measurement is taken from the higher side. This is why a fence can exceed the limit even if it looks within it from your own garden.
Can I make my fence taller for more privacy?
You can build up to 2 metres without permission (1 metre next to a road). For anything taller you need planning permission, which is decided on the impact on neighbours and the street scene. Adding trellis counts toward the total height, so a 2 metre fence plus trellis would exceed the limit.
Sources & further reading
- Planning Portal — fences, gates and garden walls
- GOV.UK — planning permission
- GOV.UK — when you need permission (permitted development)
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific garden. They are guidance, not a quotation.