Brits are reminded to keep planning regulations in mind when putting up fences
Households must follow rules around fences.
Homeowners planning to put up garden fences are being urged to ensure they are fully across the rules, as they could be left stung by a £5,000 fine.
People wanting to put up fences might not give much thought to regulations, but they are important to bear in mind.
New rules were introduced last month under “The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015” to simplify the rules around replacing a boundary, a hedge, or installing a new fence.
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Gurpreet Chhokar, Which? Legal Expert, explained things homeowners need to be aware of: “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, rules state you’re allowed a fence up to two metres high (that’s about 6ft 6ins) without needing planning permission, Express reports.
Gurpreet said: “If you don’t have planning permission, then your fence can’t be any higher than two metres from the ground.”
Meanwhile, regulations state front fences can’t go above one metre if you live next to a footpath, road or public space. That’s just over 3ft tall.
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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.
“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.”
Regarding fences, the left-hand side of your garden (as seen from the street) is usually your responsibility. If the “rough” side of the fence faces you, it’s likely to be yours to maintain.
Penalties of up to £5,000 could be handed to rule-breaking households or £20,000 if you’re a business.
The warning comes as UK households will be spending the summer months doing gardening jobs and outdoor DIY, particularly with warm temperatures forecast for the second half of June.