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 North West England typically range between £700 and £3,500, 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 Burnley: Planning Permission Guide

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

80%

approved in Burnley

£548

application fee

8 wks

typical decision

1–2m

PD height

Based on 15 decided applications in Burnley over 36 months (12 granted, 3 refused). Limited data — treat as indicative.

Burnley has conservation areas including Burnley Town Centre, Padiham, Worsthorne, and around Towneley Park (a Grade II* listed hall). Listed building density is notable around Towneley and the 19th-century textile heritage. The South Pennines cover parts of the east and south with moorland constraints. Flood zones apply along the Brun and Calder rivers. The borough is primarily Victorian mill town terraces with later suburban development and rural moorland fringes.

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 Burnley

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

Refused

Retention of a rebuilt boundary wall (wall A), with a reduction in height of 0.4m, and new boundary walls (wall B & C).

BB102026-06-15

Refused

Listed Building Consent for retention of a rebuilt boundary wall (wall A), with a reduction in height of 0.4m, and new boundary walls (wa…

2026-06-15

Granted

Installation of defibrillator and bleed kit cabinets to external wall of Nationwide Building Society branch

BB112026-06-05

Objection

Proposed erection of replacement boundary treatment, comprising 4.7m tall concrete panel wall around East, West and South perimeter of ex…

BB102026-05-28

Granted

Supporting structure for new digital displays and repositioning of turnstile and associated walls (part retrospective)

BB102026-05-22

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 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.

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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