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 between £1,000 and £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.

Project guideGPDO Class A (Part 2)

Fence, wall or gate in Bromley: Planning Permission Guide

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

85%

approved in Bromley

£548

application fee

8 wks

typical decision

1–2m

PD height

Based on 216 decided applications in Bromley over 12 months (183 granted, 33 refused).

Bromley is one of London's largest and greenest boroughs, with substantial Green Belt in the south and east around Biggin Hill, Downe, Orpington rural areas, and parts of the North Downs. Conservation areas include Keston, Chislehurst, Shortlands, Farnborough Village, and Hayes. Listed buildings cluster around Down House (Darwin's home), Chislehurst, and Farnborough. Properties in Green Belt locations face tight restrictions on extension size and outbuilding coverage.

Council planning portal Pre-application advice

Local data PD rules Costs Professionals Constraints FAQs

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Personalised odds

5 nearest comparables & refusal reasons for your address.

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Recent fence, wall or gate decisions in Bromley

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

Granted

Non-Material Amendment to previous planning permission ref 26/00331/HPA: Changes to side wall, rooflights and cladding

BR22026-06-08

Granted

Provision of front entrance gate

BR12026-05-28

Granted

Installation of replacement signs to include 1x new pictorial panel to existing gibbet, 1x set of sign written house name, 2x sign witten…

BR12026-05-22

Granted

Installation of replacement signs to include 1x new pictorial panel to existing gibbet, 1x set of sign written house name, 2x sign witten…

BR12026-05-22

DECISION ISSUED

Details submitted to comply with the requirements of the following conditions relating to planning permission 26/00154/HPA: Condition 4 …

BR62026-05-19

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

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Related guides

Driveway

Porch

GPDO Class D

Outbuilding / garden building

GPDO Class E

All guides