How high can a fence be without planning permission?

Up to 1 metre if adjacent to a highway used by vehicles. Up to 2 metres elsewhere. These are the GPDO maximums.

Do I need planning permission for a garden wall?

Not if the wall is under 2 metres high (or 1 metre adjacent to a highway). Higher walls, or walls in areas with Article 4 Directions, need planning permission.

How much does fencing cost?

Boundary treatment costs in London typically range from £1,000 to £5,000 depending on length and materials. Timber fencing is cheapest, brick walls and metal railings cost significantly more.

Can I replace an existing fence with a taller one?

Yes, provided the replacement stays within the PD height limits (1m by highway, 2m elsewhere). The previous height is not relevant — it's the new height that matters.

Fence, wall or gate in Bolton: Planning Permission Guide

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

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Fence, wall or gates in Bolton at a glance

40%

approved *

£258

application fee

weeks typical

Based on 15 decided applications in Bolton over 12 months (6 granted, 9 refused). * Limited data — treat as indicative.

Bolton has conservation areas including Bolton Town Centre, Little Bolton, Horwich, and Smithills. Listed buildings cluster around Bolton Parish Church, Smithills Hall, and the cotton-mill heritage sites. The borough has substantial moorland in the West Pennine Moors covering the northern edge, plus Green Belt elsewhere. The council's planning approach reflects former industrial terrace heritage in the town centre and wider suburban housing elsewhere.

Council planning portal Pre-application advice

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Approval probability, 5 nearest comparables, refusal reasons — for your specific address.

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Recent fence, wall or gate decisions in Bolton

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

Granted

ERECTION OF FRONT BOUNDARY WALL WITH TIMBER SLAT FENCE ON TOP, TOGETHER WITH AN ELECTRIC GATE.

BL12026-03-16

Refused

RETROSPECTIVE RETENTION AND MODIFICATION OF BOUNDARY FENCE WITH NEW PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AND VEHICULAR GATES, CCTV CAMERAS ON POLES AND SOFT…

BL72026-03-04

Refused

PART RETROSPECTIVE PLANNING PERMISSION FOR THE ERECTION OF IRON RAILINGS, GATE POSTS, WALLS, BOUNDARY FENCING AND ENTRANCE GATES TO THE S…

BL12026-03-02

Granted

RETROSPECTIVE APPLICATION FOR THE SITING OF FENCE TO THE SIDE OF PROPERTY

BL62026-02-17

Refused

DEMOLITION OF EXISTING WALL TO FORM 3 NO. PARKING SPACES TO FRONT TOGETHER WITH ALTERATIONS TO ACCESS AND GARDEN.

M462026-01-28

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

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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.

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Typical Costs in London

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

Fence, wall or gateLondon

Typical total

£1,000–£5,000

Typically includes

MaterialsInstallationFoundations (for walls)

Typically excludes

Planning application fee

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

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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.

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

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Related guides

Driveway

Porch

GPDO Class D

Outbuilding / garden building

GPDO Class E

All guides