Fencing and gates are usually one of the more straightforward garden projects, but the same height-based planning rules that apply to garden walls apply here too, and it's worth understanding them before choosing a fence height, particularly for a front garden boundary.
RW Builders fits fencing and gates for homeowners across York and North Yorkshire, alongside our wider landscaping and boundary wall work.
Height is measured from natural ground level, which matters on a sloping site, generally taken from the lower ground level where the two sides of a fence sit at different heights.
A new fence, wall or gate can be up to 1 metre high without planning permission if it's next to a highway used by vehicles, including the pavement running alongside it
Elsewhere, such as a side or rear garden boundary, the limit is 2 metres without planning permission
If an existing fence or gate already exceeds these limits, its height can't be increased further without planning permission
These rules don't apply within the curtilage of a listed building, where planning permission is needed regardless of height
Adding a trellis topper to a wall or fence counts towards the total height, so a 1.5 metre fence with a 60cm trellis topper is treated as a 2.1 metre structure for planning purposes
The single biggest factor in how long a fence lasts is how well the posts are installed. Concrete-set posts, sunk to an adequate depth (generally at least 600mm, more for taller fencing exposed to wind), give considerably more stability than posts simply driven into the ground or set shallow. In more exposed, open sites, wind loading on a solid fence panel is a genuine structural consideration, and we size post depth and spacing accordingly rather than using the same approach regardless of exposure.
Timber panel fencing – the most common and cost-effective option, available in a range of styles from closeboard to picket
Timber post and rail – a more open, rural-style boundary, popular for larger gardens and paddocks
Metal railings – a more formal look, often chosen for front boundaries where an open, visible garden is preferred over a solid screen
Gates – matched to the fence or wall style, in timber or metal, and sized to suit vehicle or pedestrian access as needed
Where a fence is being erected directly on a boundary shared with a neighbouring property, it's good practice, and sometimes a legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, to discuss the work with your neighbour beforehand, particularly if the fence will be built on or very close to the boundary line itself.
We're a family-run team based in York, and we check the height rules against your specific boundary before finalising a design, particularly important for front garden fencing where the 1 metre limit applies. We work across the city and surrounding villages including Haxby, Strensall, Poppleton and Osbaldwick, and every quote is clear and written with no hidden extras.
Excellent job from Phil and his team. Both external and internal works finished to an excellent quality. Happy to deal with changes and kept us informed on a day-to-day basis. Definitely recommend.
RW Builders directly on 01904 530941, or send your details through our contact form, and we'll arrange a visit to discuss your project. Quotes are free and come with no obligation.