2025 UK Garden Boundary Fence Rules Explained

In 2025, new planning rules have come into force that should simplify decisions when replacing a boundary, a hedge, or installing a new fence.

The new UK boundary rules affect height restrictions for both existing, and new fencing projects. If you are considering an upgrade to your existing boundary, you will need to be aware of the new laws.

Here’s what you need to know in 2025.

The New UK Boundary Fence Rules

The boundary fence height rules in the UK are the biggest change and are enforceable by your local authority planning department, housing association, and the listed buildings UK authority.

Back Garden UK Fence Rules

At the rear of your property, a fence must not exceed two metres in height as measured from the ground level on your side of the fence. It’s the equivalent of 6 feet and six inches, so is intended to provide a balance between privacy and access to light.

The two-metre rule is now the standard maximum height for any fence that surrounds a back garden. If you want to add height, perhaps using a trellis or other feature, you will need to apply for planning permission.

Front Garden UK Fence Rules

At the front of your house, the new maximum height rule is 1 metre, or three feet, and two inches. The new law is intended to provide better visibility for pavement and road users.

If the front of your property borders a public footpath, bridleway, waterway, or an open space such as a public park, the one-metre rule will be enforceable.

Boundary Line Fencing

There are more complaints and legal actions related to boundary disputes between neighbours than any other issue. Reports suggest that between six and eleven million disputes have been recorded in the UK to date.

Statistically speaking, these disagreements are usually over as little as 2% of any affected land, or garden area.

With this in mind, it’s worth taking the time needed to discuss any plans you may have with the people who live next door. Make sure you photograph, and measure the areas affected beforehand (preferably with the neighbour in attendance!).

Getting a handshake is the minimum agreement you need to proceed and keep the peace.

Can I Build a Fence on My Side of the Boundary?

The short answer is yes, you can build a fence on your side of the boundary, however, there are set conventions in the UK that apportion responsibility for the construction and maintenance of a fence.

While it’s not illegal to take down and rebuild your own fence, you may find yourself on the wrong side of the law should you begin removing a fence for which your neighbour is responsible.

How can I Find Out Which Boundary is Mine?

There is a rule of thumb that says that the garden boundary on the left-hand side of your house, as viewed from the street, is your responsibility.

Another clue can be seen in the method of construction of the fences that bound your property. If the rougher side, or rail side-in the case of featheredge panels, is facing into your garden, that’s your boundary to maintain.

Finding the Official Fence Boundary Line

For absolute clarity, you will need to refer to the title documents, or deeds. If you see a boundary line with the capital letter ‘T’ next to it, that’s your fence line to fix. If you see ‘H’ things get a little more complicated as this means the boundary is a party wall, and the responsibility of both neighbours.

The UK Land Registry Office should be able to furnish you with copies of the original title documents, and for a small fee, you will have your answer.

Erecting a Fence Between Neighbours

Some fences are easy to replace. An existing concrete post and timber panel fence may require minimal renovation, and just need the old panels swapped out for new. Older fence setups, maybe with timber posts, could need total replacement.

Either way, be sure to give your neighbours plenty of notice. There may be plants trained along the fence, or decorative features they may want to remove or keep.

Smart Fence Thinking

As a rule, the smart side of the fence faces your neighbour’s garden. With many fence types, this is not an issue, but with featheredge, or other rail design, the rails are always set to the inside.

In practical terms, this rule also enhances security for you in that the climbable face is on the inside. This is also the normal orientation when your boundary faces a public area, to diminish the potential for opportunistic climbing access.

Final Thoughts

Fences don’t last forever, wind, weather and time take them all in the end. Whether you need to mend, or replace a fence, at Wade we have everything you need to do a great job.

Call us today to discuss how quickly we can get your fence products delivered to your door, but have a chat with your neighbours first!

FAQs

Is there a Minimum Fence Height?

There is no minimum fence height in the UK, it all depends upon two factors, your budget, and how well you get on with your neighbours!

Do the New UK Rules Affect All Fence Types?

The new boundary fence rules in the UK apply to all residential fence types whether they are timber panel, featheredge, palisade, or mesh.

Can I Have a Fence Taller Than 2m?

If you want or need a fence that is taller than the standard 2m in height you must apply for planning permission. If your property is on sloping ground, or adjacent to a commercial property, there may be factors that act in your favour.

I Live in a Conservation Area. Do These Rules Apply to Me?

The short answer is that they do, however, there will likely be local regulations that may cover fence heights, fence types, and sometimes even colour. Your first call should be to your local authority planning department to find out whether there are any particular local requirements when replacing or upgrading a boundary fence.

My Estate Has an Open-Plan Front Garden Rule. Do the 2025 Rules Change Anything?

Many modern housing estates in the UK dating from the later part of the 20th Century have a covenant written into the title deeds of every plot in order to maintain the overall architectural aesthetic of the neighbourhood. The new rules do not override these individual stipulations.

Click here for Your Property Boundaries on Gov.uk