Homeowners putting garden fences up warned about £5,000 fines under new laws

New planning rules have come into force, which affect homeowners who install new garden fences or replace existing onesPeople are being warned about putting up fences over new laws(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Homeowners who have a fence in their garden have been warned that they could be hit with fines of up to £5,000 under new legislation. An expert has advised green-fingered Brits to familiarise themselves with the new regulations before erecting any fencing.

Last month, new rules were implemented under “The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015”. The latest update has simplified the rules regarding replacing a boundary, a hedge, or installing a new fence.

Gurpreet Chhokar, Which? Legal Expert, stated: “If you’re thinking of putting up a new garden fence this summer, there are a few important things to bear in mind to make sure you don’t break any laws and find yourself landed with a fine.”

For a back garden fence, you’re permitted a fence up to two metres high (that’s about 6’6″) without requiring planning permission.

Gurpreet said: “If you don’t have planning permission, then your fence can’t be any higher than two metres from the ground.”

Front fences can’t exceed one metre if you reside next to a footpath, road or public space. That’s just over three feet tall.

The expert added: “There will also be some cases where planning permission will be needed if the fence is more than a meter high – such as if it borders a highway or the footpath of a highway, reports the Express.

“If you’re not sure, then it’s worth getting in touch with your local planning authority (which is usually your local council) to check.”

Typically, when it comes to fence replacement, the left-hand side of your garden, as viewed from the street, falls under your remit. If the “rough” side of the fence is facing your property, it’s likely your responsibility to look after it.

Warnings have been issued that households could incur fines of up to £5,000, while businesses might face hefty penalties reaching £20,000.

Such advisories come at a crucial time as UK residents gear up for summer gardening endeavours and outdoor home improvements.

Homeowners have been given a warning about their garden fences(Image: Getty)New rules regarding garden boundaries came into force last month(Image: Getty)