Legal Height of a Fence Between Neighbours in UK

Looking for the definitive answer on the legal height of a fence between neighbours in the UK? Here it is—clear, practical and written in plain English. This guide explains the usual height limits under permitted development, how measurement actually works on real plots, where and why front boundaries are treated differently, and the exceptions that can change the rules (listed buildings, Article 4 areas, covenants and corner plots). You’ll also find simple, neighbour-friendly design options that keep you within the cap without sacrificing privacy, plus quick links to the exact components—fence panels, posts, gravel boards and trellis—to build a compliant, long-lasting boundary.

Short answer

In most rear and side gardens in England and Wales, the tallest fence you can usually erect or replace without planning permission is 2.0 metres overall. Where a boundary is adjacent to a vehicular highway—commonly the front garden, or a side boundary on a corner plot—the typical cap is 1.0 metre overall. “Overall” means the total structure, including posts, capping and any trellis toppers.

At-a-glance legal height limits

What “overall height” really means

“Overall” height covers the complete structure—posts, panels, capping rails, finials and any trellis. If you install a 1.8m panel and add a 0.45m trellis topper, the new overall height is 2.25m, which normally needs planning permission at the rear/side. A popular move is to specify 6×5ft closeboard panels with a 0.30m privacy square trellis or 0.45m privacy square trellis. That keeps a neighbour-friendly skyline while staying within typical caps.

How fence height is measured (the bit many people miss)

• From the higher side: Measurement is taken from the natural ground level on the side where the fence is tallest. If next door’s ground is higher, that is the reference level.
• Everything on top counts: Decorative arches, curves, finials and capping are part of the total height calculation.
• Ground works don’t extend the cap: Mounding soil, raising decking or adding planters doesn’t “buy” more permitted height and can itself require consent.
• Sloping sites: Step the fence so each bay remains compliant, or build in-situ closeboard (featheredge on rails) to follow the gradient neatly.

Front vs rear boundaries (why 1.0m often applies at the front)

The 1.0m cap at front boundaries and highway-adjacent sides exists to preserve sightlines and road safety. For attractive frontages within the rule, many households opt for decorative fence panels or picket fence panels coordinated with garden gates and the right gate furniture.

Exceptions that can change the default limits

The 2.0m/1.0m rule is a reliable starting point, but the following may override it:

• Listed buildings and conservation areas: You may need consent even for lower heights or minor changes.
• Article 4 directions: Some neighbourhoods remove permitted development rights—check your street.
• New-build covenants and estate rules: Developers often control heights, colours, and locations; read your deed pack.
• Corner plots: Side boundaries visible from a road may be treated as highway-adjacent and limited to 1.0m.

Neighbour consent, ownership and the boundary line

There’s no universal “left-hand rule” in UK law. Title deeds sometimes show “T” marks (responsibility) or “H” marks (shared). If you put a fence entirely on your land, you generally don’t need the neighbour’s consent (planning rules still apply). Placing posts or footings on the boundary line typically requires written agreement from both parties. And if the fence is your neighbour’s and on their land, you should not attach trellis or screens to it without permission—use a freestanding trellis panel inside your boundary instead.

Trellis and the legal height cap

Trellis is counted within overall height, but it’s still the smartest tool for soft, polite privacy. The go-to combination is 1.5m solid + 0.3–0.45m trellis: you screen eye-level views while keeping sunlight and conversation flowing over the top. Choose fence topper trellis such as privacy square, diamond or slatted to suit the look of your garden and architecture.

Windy plots: why design affects “legal” viability

Even within legal height, a solid fence can act like a sail. On exposed sites, opt for air-permeable designs that reduce wind loading while remaining compliant. Explore double slatted panels or hit-and-miss panels for a modern look that’s kinder to posts and footings.

Compliance-friendly product picks (that also last)

• Panels: Classic privacy with closeboard (e.g., 6×6ft closeboard), modern airflow with double slatted or hit-and-miss, kerb appeal with decorative.
• Posts: Concrete fence posts keep long runs ruler-straight and make drop-in installs fast; wooden fence posts give a cohesive timber look and are easy to trim on site.
• Gravel boards: Keep panels off damp soil and splashback with concrete or wooden gravel boards. Our wildlife option—the 12″ smooth concrete gravel board with hedgehog hole—maintains garden corridors.
• Finish & fixings: Add panel capping to shed water, and use exterior-rated screws & fixings and reliable ironmongery. Set posts with quality post concrete.

Decision helper: do I need planning permission?

Designing for privacy within the legal cap

If 2.0m isn’t on the cards everywhere, be tactical. Use 1.8m privacy panels for key overlooked zones, then transition to 1.5m with a trellis topper near patios to keep light and the sense of space. Trellis is perfect for climbers—honeysuckle, jasmine and clematis add scent and seasonal screening that softens the boundary for everyone.

• Classic privacy run: 6×6ft closeboard on concrete posts with concrete gravel boards for durability and straight lines.
• Neighbour-friendly patio zone: 6×5ft closeboard + 0.30m privacy square trellis (or 0.45m where still within cap).
• Wind-smart modern look: double slatted or hit-and-miss panels reduce gust pressure without giving up style.

Worked scenarios (so you can map your own garden)

1) Overlooked rear boundary

You want to screen views from upstairs windows. Use 1.8m closeboard bays near the house, stepping down to 1.5m + 0.45m trellis as you approach seating or planting beds for more light and airflow. Finish with capping for crisp lines and water shedding.

2) Corner plot by a road

Your side boundary shows to a road—assume the 1.0m cap. Choose decorative panels or picket. For privacy behind the house, step up inside the garden away from the highway where 2.0m typically applies.

3) Exposed coastal garden

Solid panels can strain posts in high winds even at legal heights. Specify double slatted or hit-and-miss on concrete posts and concrete boards. Add small returns in slatted trellis for airflow near patios.

Installation basics that support compliance

• Set out correctly: Most panels are 1.83m wide—run string lines at post centres and at the finished top height so you can spot any problem rises before digging.
• Post lengths: A 2.4m post is typical for a 1.8–2.0m finished height; bury ~one-third of the post in concrete and bell out the base of the hole to resist pull-out.
• Keep timber off the ground: Fit wooden or concrete gravel boards to slow decay and level the run.
• Finish smartly: Panel capping sheds water and gives a professional silhouette.

Post length and burial depth guide

Frequently asked questions (in plain English)

Is the 2.0m rule identical in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

The principles are similar but not identical, and councils apply policies in context. Treat 2.0m (rear/side) and 1.0m (front/highway) as strong rules of thumb, then check your local guidance if your site is unusual (listed, conservation, corner plot, covenants).

Can I exceed 2.0m if my neighbour agrees?

Neighbour consent is helpful but doesn’t replace planning rules. If you want to go higher, you’ll typically need permission. A considerate alternative is 1.5m solid plus a modest trellis topper and climbers.

Does trellis at the top count towards legal height?

Yes—trellis forms part of the overall structure. If a trellis topper takes you beyond the cap, you may need to apply. Keep trellis modest, or use freestanding trellis panels just inside your boundary for extra planting height without altering the boundary line itself.

Can I put my fence on the boundary line?

Only with your neighbour’s agreement. Without written consent, install fully on your land (a whisker inside the line) to avoid encroachment by posts or concrete footings.

What if my neighbour has built too high?

Start with a calm conversation. If the issue persists, you can approach the local planning authority for advice on permitted development and potential enforcement. Photos, dates and measurements help. Mediation is usually faster and cheaper than formal routes.

Do gates and walls follow the same 2.0m/1.0m limits?

Generally yes. Masonry walls can trigger extra considerations (appearance, location, safety), so check policies if you’re building in brick or block.

Neighbour-friendly combinations that respect the cap

• Solid where it matters: Use closeboard panels at 1.8m for privacy where overlooking is worst.
• Softer lines near seating: Drop to 1.5m and add trellis toppers (0.3–0.45m) for air and light—try privacy square trellis.
• Exposed stretches: Choose double slatted or hit-and-miss to reduce wind loading.
• Front garden kerb appeal: Stay within 1.0m using decorative or picket styles; pair with a matching garden gate.

Compliance checklist you can paste into your project notes

Step-by-step plan for a legal, durable boundary

1. Confirm the line: Walk the boundary with your neighbour and agree where posts will go. If you’re building on the line itself, record the agreement in writing.
2. Audit constraints: Identify highway-adjacent sections, listing/conservation status and any covenants or Article 4 restrictions.
3. Choose heights zone-by-zone: 1.8m panels for privacy; 1.5m + trellis near seating; 1.0m at fronts/corner-side highways.
4. Pick the system: For the fastest, straightest install use slotted concrete posts with concrete gravel boards and drop-in panels. Prefer all-timber? Use timber posts and wooden boards.
5. Order everything together: Avoid peak-season top-ups. Include capping, exterior screws, brackets and post concrete.
6. Install like a pro: Set the first bay perfectly plumb; use a gravel board between the first two posts as a level datum; sight along a top string line before concrete sets.
7. Finish and green it: Cap panels, seal cut ends and add trellis toppers for climbers where you want softer privacy.

Common misconceptions (and the reality)

• “If the neighbour agrees, any height is fine.” Consent helps but doesn’t replace planning rules; above-cap heights normally need permission.
• “Trellis doesn’t count.” It does. Keep overall height within the cap or use freestanding trellis inside your plot.
• “Raising the ground gives me more height.” Height is measured from the higher adjacent ground where the fence sits; raising your side doesn’t increase the cap and can cause its own issues.
• “I can attach to their fence.” Not without permission. If in doubt, build a separate trellis or screen on your land.

Why your choice of components matters as much as height

Legal height is the starting line, not the finish. A compliant fence that leans or rots quickly isn’t a win. The backbone—posts, bases and weathering details—determines how long your fence stays straight and smart. Choose concrete posts and gravel boards for maximum longevity; prefer a timber look? Match timber posts with wooden boards and finish with capping to shed water cleanly.

Suggested shopping lists (by bay)

Rear-garden privacy bay (drop-in, concrete posts)

• Panel: 6×6ft closeboard
• Post: 8ft concrete intermediate post (size ends/corners appropriately)
• Base: 12″ smooth concrete gravel board (or the hedgehog-hole version)
• Finish & fixings: panel capping, exterior screws, brackets, post concrete

Neighbour-friendly bay (1.5m solid + trellis)

• Panel: 6×5ft closeboard
• Topper: 0.30m privacy trellis (or 0.45m where compliant)
• Posts & base: concrete posts with concrete boards (or all-timber equivalents)
• Finish: capping, seal any cut ends, and train climbers for gentle screening

Good-neighbour practices that prevent disputes

• Talk early: Share your preferred height and style; be upfront about highway-adjacent limits and how you’ll measure overall height.
• Put it in writing: A quick email summarising height, position and who maintains what avoids misunderstandings later.
• Build on your land (unless agreed): If the fence sits astride the line, confirm consent.
• Keep it tidy: Leave their side exactly as you found it if you’ve agreed access to install or finish the reverse face.

Final word (so you can get on with it)

For fences between neighbours in the UK, the practical ceiling under permitted development is 2.0m overall in rear/side gardens and 1.0m where the boundary is adjacent to a vehicular highway. Measure from the higher ground, remember that trellis counts, and treat 2.0m/1.0m as caps unless local rules say otherwise. If you design cleverly—using 1.8m panels where privacy matters and 1.5m + trellis near social areas—you can enjoy screening, light and neighbourly relations without paperwork. When you’re ready to build, choose durable, compliant components from our curated ranges of panels, posts, gravel boards and trellis—and create a boundary that looks smart, meets the rules, and stands up to British weather for years to come.