Introduction

Right then, let's have a proper chat about fences.

I know what you're thinking. Fences aren't exactly dinner party conversation. But here's the thing—once you own a home, especially in London, you quickly realise how much of your daily happiness connects to that simple bit of wood or metal separating you from everyone else.

Maybe you're fed up with the neighbours spotting you every time you pop outside for some fresh air. Maybe your dog has worked out exactly which panel is loose and now treats the whole street like his personal tour route. Maybe you just want to sit with a coffee on Saturday morning without making eye contact with everyone walking past.

Whatever brought you here, you're now staring at that fence and wondering if you can actually do what you want to do. And honestly? That's a fair question. London's absolutely full of rules that nobody tells you about until you've accidentally broken one.

The Simple Version First

Let me save you some worry right now.

Most of the time, you don't need planning permission. You really don't. You can find some decent fencing services London has to offer, get a few quotes, and have your new boundary up before the weather turns.

But here's the thing about "most of the time." It's not the same as "all of the time." And that difference can cost you serious money if you get it wrong.

I've spoken to too many people who built something, loved it for a year, then got a letter from the council that ruined their entire week. Or fell out with a neighbour because they didn't realise the boundary wasn't where they thought. Or tried to sell their house only to discover the fence they put up years ago was causing problems with the sale.

Nobody wakes up thinking "today I'll make an expensive mistake with my fence." It just happens because nobody tells you what you actually need to know until it's too late.

The Height Rules Everyone Wants To Know

Right, let's get the numbers sorted because this is what everyone actually wants to know.

Front gardens that face the road have to stay under 1 metre. That's about waist height on most people. Why so strict? Because councils care about how your street looks. Your front garden isn't just yours—it's part of the view everyone shares when they walk past your house.

Back gardens are where you've got proper freedom. You can usually go up to 2 metres without anyone batting an eyelid. That's proper privacy height. That's "I can have my breakfast without an audience" height. That's "the neighbours can't see what I'm watching on my phone" height.

But here's where it gets properly complicated. If you're in a conservation area—and honestly, massive chunks of London are, even streets that look completely normal—those numbers can change. Suddenly 2 metres becomes 1.8. Or you can only use certain materials. Or you need permission for things your mate in the next borough can do without even thinking about it.

This is exactly why you want fencing services London teams that actually know the different boroughs. Someone who's worked across London for years will spot these things straight away. They'll tell you before they even give you a price, not after you've got your heart set on something.

The Neighbour Thing Nobody Warns You About

Here's something the official rulebooks completely miss.

You can have all the permissions in the world. You can follow every single rule to the letter. And still end up in a situation where getting your post feels awkward because your neighbour won't look at you.

I'm not saying you should let your neighbours run your life. But a quick chat beforehand saves so much grief. Just a simple "we're thinking of replacing the fence, wanted to let you know" goes an incredibly long way.

Sometimes they'll tell you something useful. Like the fact their shed actually leans on your fence for support. Or that they had a survey done last year and the boundary line isn't where you think it is. Or that they've been meaning to replace it themselves and would happily go halves on the cost.

You don't know until you ask. And good fencing services London residents actually recommend will often suggest you have that chat before they turn up with all their equipment.

The Party Wall Thing That Sounds Dull But Matters

The Party Wall etc. Act 1966. Sounds like something from an old black and white film, doesn't it?

It's still very much a thing though. If you're building directly on the boundary line, or doing something significant against a shared wall, this Act applies. You'd need to give formal notice to your neighbours. They might need to agree in writing. In some cases, you'd need a proper agreement drawn up by surveyors.

For most straightforward fence replacements, this doesn't kick in. But if you're building a proper retaining wall, or doing major groundworks as part of your project, it's worth knowing about.

Decent fencing services London specialists will flag this themselves. They won't let you stumble into something that needs paperwork you don't have.

What Actually Happens If You Just Crack On With It

Look, I'm not going to pretend the planning police are hiding in bushes waiting to catch you. Thousands of people put up fences every year without checking anything. Most are absolutely fine.

But the ones who aren't fine? They're really not fine.

If someone reports you—and neighbours do report things, more than you'd think—the council can make you take it down. At your own cost. That lovely new fence you paid good money for? Gone. That front boundary you were really happy with? Reduced anyway, but now you're paying twice.

Or imagine selling your house. The buyer's solicitor does their checks and spots something doesn't match the title plan. Sales fall apart over stuff like this. I've seen it happen more than once. Someone's dream move collapses because of a fence their parents put up ten years ago.

A five-minute check before you start saves so much potential heartache.

Finding Someone Who Actually Knows Their Stuff

When you search for a fencing contractor near me, you'll get loads of results. But how do you pick someone decent?

Look for people who ask questions before they give you a price. Anyone can quote for putting up panels. The ones who actually know what they're doing will ask about your property, your boundaries, whether you've checked anything.

They'll mention conservation areas naturally, not because you brought it up.

The fencing services London homeowners actually rave about tend to be the ones who save them from mistakes. Good installation matters. But good advice matters more.

I'd also say look for someone who's been around a while. Fencing companies come and go. The ones who've been trading for years have seen every situation. They know which councils are strict and which are relaxed. They know which materials last in London's damp climate and which look tired after two winters.

Jobs That Usually Sail Through

If you're doing any of these, you're almost certainly fine:

• 1. Swapping an old fence for a new one, same height, same place

• 2. Putting up garden fencing under 2 metres in the back garden

• 3. Adding a low decorative thing to your front garden (under 1 metre)

• 4. Creating separate bits within your own garden

• 5. Temporary fencing for building work or parties

See that word "almost"? Even straightforward jobs can hit problems if you're in a listed building, a conservation area, or if your property has weird covenants in the deeds.

Jobs That Need a Proper Look

These ones deserve a proper check before you commit:

• 1. Front fences going over 1 metre

• 2. Anything touching a listed building (inside or out)

• 3. Fences in conservation areas using modern materials

• 4. Any structure going over 2 metres, including trellis on top

• 5. Boundaries on open land or green belt

If you're in these categories, don't panic. Permission is often granted. You just need to do the paperwork properly and work with fencing services London planners are actually comfortable with.

The Permission Process—What It Actually Looks Like

If you do need permission, here's what happens. It's not as painful as you might think.

You fill in a householder planning permission application. Your council's website has the forms. You'll need:

• 1. A simple drawing showing where the fence goes

• 2. Basic plans with heights and materials

• 3. Some photos of how it looks now

• 4. A short explanation of why you're doing it

Processing takes about 8 weeks. Yes, that's slower than just building. But it's also the difference between sleeping easy and waiting for a nasty letter.

Some councils let you submit everything online now. Some still want paper copies. It varies, just like everything in London.

Materials and Style—Why They Actually Matter

Here's something interesting. Even with permission, the materials you choose affect how your application goes.

In most gardens, standard fence panels are fine. But in a conservation area, planners might want traditional timber in specific styles. Near protected heathland, they might ask for natural materials. Some London boroughs actually encourage certain fence designs to keep the area looking consistent.

This is where local knowledge from fencing services London specialists becomes genuinely useful. They've done this before. They know what gets approved and what gets rejected.

There's also the practical side. Closeboard looks great but needs treating. Feather edge is traditional but can warp. Concrete posts last forever but don't suit every garden. Someone who knows their stuff will help you choose based on your actual situation, not just what's cheapest.

The Money Question Nobody Likes Asking

Let's talk cost, because it matters.

Planning applications cost something. Usually a couple of hundred quid for householder applications. Plus the time spent on drawings and forms.

But compare that to the cost of removing and replacing an unauthorised fence. Compare it to a property sale that collapses because of an unapproved structure. Compare it to years of awkward conversations with neighbours.

Permission isn't red tape for the sake of it. It's protection. Protection for your money. Protection for your home's value. Protection for your sanity.

And while we're talking money, get itemised quotes. Some fencing companies will quote a great price then add extras for taking away old materials, or for digging out concrete bases, or for working in awkward gardens. A good company will tell you all this upfront.

Making Your Mind Up

So back to where we started. Do you need planning permission?

Most people don't. But "most" isn't "all." And the only way to know for sure is to check.

My honest advice? Ring a few fencing services London providers. Ask them about your specific job. See what they say. Most will give you straight advice because they want the work—and they want to do it properly, without callbacks or complaints.

If you need permission, factor that into your timeline and budget. If you don't, get it booked and enjoy your new garden.

The Bottom Line

Your garden should work for you. It should give you privacy, security, and a space that actually feels like yours. But London being London, you can't just build without thinking.

The smart approach? Don't guess. Don't assume. And definitely don't copy what your mate in another postcode did.

Talk to people who know London. Get proper advice. Then build with confidence.

Your fence should mark where your property ends. Not where your problems begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my neighbour object even if I don't need permission?

Yeah, absolutely. Even fences that don't need planning permission can be challenged if they cause loss of light, block access, or breach property covenants. A quick chat with neighbours beforehand saves headaches later.

How high can my fence be without permission in London?

Front gardens: 1 metre max. Back gardens: 2 metres max. These are general rules—always check if your property has any special designations.

Do I need permission to replace an existing fence?

Usually not, if you're like-for-like in the same spot. But if you're going higher, changing materials significantly, or moving the boundary line, you might need approval.

What's the Party Wall Act about then?

It's legislation that applies when you build directly on boundary lines or work against shared walls. Most standard fencing doesn't trigger it, but retaining walls and substantial boundary changes might.

How do I know if I'm in a conservation area?

Check your council's website—they have maps. Your property deeds might mention it. Or just ask the council planning department, they're usually helpful.

Can I put trellis on top to go higher?

If the total height goes over 2 metres, you need permission for the whole thing. Trellis counts toward the height measurement.

Who owns the boundary fence?

Check your property deeds. Sometimes it's specified. If not, fences are usually assumed to be owned by the person whose garden they face. Title plans help work this out.

How long does planning permission last if granted?

Typically 3 years. You need to start the work within that time.

What if I just build it and hope for the best?

You might be fine. Or you might get an enforcement notice requiring removal at your own expense. It's a gamble that isn't worth taking.

How much do fencing services cost in London?

Varies hugely based on materials, length, access, and ground conditions. Get multiple quotes from established fencing services London providers with solid reviews.

I'm in a leasehold flat—can I just put up a fence?

Probably not without checking your lease. Leaseholds often have strict rules about external changes. Always check first.

What about electric gates?

Automated gates often need building regulations approval for safety, plus planning permission if they affect height limits or highway safety.

My garden slopes—how is height measured?

Usually from the highest adjacent ground level. Sloping sites need careful positioning to stay within limits.

Can I build right up to the pavement?

Boundaries next to public highways have specific rules about visibility and height. Check with your council before building near roads.

Ready to get that fence sorted properly? Talk to trusted fencing services London homeowners actually recommend. Get it done right—permission sorted, quality guaranteed, and boundaries that actually work for your life.