Project guideGPDO Class A (Part 2)

Fence, wall or gate in Blackburn with Darwen: Planning Permission Guide

Your guide to fences, walls, and gates in Blackburn with Darwen — height limits, permitted development rules, and costs.

£548
application fee
8 wks
typical decision
1–2m
PD height

Blackburn with Darwen has conservation areas around Blackburn Town Centre, Darwen, and several 19th-century textile-heritage villages. Listed buildings cluster around Blackburn Cathedral, the Town Hall, and the former mill sites. The West Pennine Moors cover parts of the borough, with moorland constraints on elevated land. Flood zones apply along the Darwen and Blakewater rivers. The borough mixes Victorian mill town terraces with later suburban and rural fringes.

Council planning portalPre-application advice

Will yours qualify?

Free 2-minute check for your Blackburn with Darwen address.

Run my free check

Recent fence, wall or gate decisions in Blackburn with Darwen

The 5 most recent decided applications. Addresses redacted to postcode area.

SPLIT DECISION

T44 (Silver Birch) - Remove lateral branch over property boundary.  T46 (Beech) - 2.5m Lateral reduction to northern crown only.

BB22026-10-05
Refused

T45 (silver birch) - remove lateral branch over property boundary T46 (silver birch) - 20% crown thin and 2.5m lateral reduction

BB22026-09-07
Granted

Use of the site to provide containerised storage units (Use Class B8) and erection of new boundary fence

2026-08-31
Granted

Installation of a new front wall and doors to enclose the existing open-fronted storage canopy, together with roof over-cladding, fire es…

BB12026-08-31
Granted

Installation of new 2.2m high boundary fence

BB12026-08-17

These are borough-wide. See the 5 nearest to your address.

Check your address free

Permitted Development Rules

Class A (Part 2)Part 2

Gates, fences, walls or other means of enclosure

GPDO 2015, Schedule 2, Part 2, Class A

Fences, walls, and gates are covered by Part 2, Class A of the GPDO. The main consideration is height: up to 1 metre next to a highway, up to 2 metres elsewhere.

Key dimension limits

Max 1m adjacent to highwayMax 2m elsewhere

These are the maximum GPDO limits for a detached house with no constraints. Your actual limits depend on your property type, location, and any planning restrictions.

Enter your postcode to see the personalised limits for your fence, wall or gate.

Check my limits

Typical Costs in North West England

Boundary treatment costs depend on the length, material, and type — timber fencing is cheapest, brick walls are the most expensive.

Fence, wall or gateNorth West England

Typical total

£700–£3,500

Typically includes

MaterialsInstallationFoundations (for walls)

Typically excludes

Planning application fee

Timber fencing is cheapest. Brick walls and metal railings cost significantly more per metre.

Get a personalised cost estimate based on your actual fence, wall or gate dimensions.

Get my estimate

Which Professionals Do You Need?

Boundary treatments rarely need professional services beyond a competent builder or fencing contractor.

This project is unlikely to need specialist professional services beyond a competent builder.

Architect / designerNot needed

This type of project does not typically require architectural services.

Structural engineerNot needed
Party wall surveyorNot needed
Planning consultantNot needed

This guidance is based on a typical semi-detached house with no special constraints. Listed buildings, conservation areas, and attached properties may require additional professional input.

Find out exactly which professionals you need for your fence, wall or gate.

Get personalised guidance

Conservation Areas & Listed Buildings

In conservation areas, the same height rules apply, but you should consider materials that are sympathetic to the area character. Some Article 4 Directions restrict boundary treatments.

Conservation areas

Properties in conservation areas often have reduced permitted development rights. Some project types (like side extensions) lose PD rights entirely. An Article 4 Direction can remove additional PD rights.

Listed buildings

Listed buildings (Grade I, II*, or II) have no permitted development rights at all. Any external alteration requires Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission. An architect experienced in heritage work is essential.

Check if your property is in a conservation area or has other planning constraints.

Check my property

Frequently Asked Questions

Just want a quick yes/no for your fence, wall or gate?

Run our free 2-minute check to see whether your project likely qualifies as permitted development in Blackburn with Darwen — your address, your constraints, your council's own recent decisions.

Free 2-min check