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.

Fence, wall or gate in Cheshire East: Planning Permission Guide

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

Check if your fence, wall or gate qualifies

Fence, wall or gates in Cheshire East at a glance

83%

approved

£548

application fee

weeks typical

Based on 103 decided applications in Cheshire East over 12 months (86 granted, 17 refused).

Eastern Cheshire East borders the Peak District National Park, and the district contains the Jodrell Bank Observatory World Heritage Site — properties near these are on Article 1(5) land with restricted permitted-development rights. Around 2,680 listed buildings are recorded, and Green Belt land covers parts of the district.

Council planning portal

Want your personalised odds?

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

Get my report — £9 Sample →

Recent fence, wall or gate decisions in Cheshire East

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

Granted

Prior approval for proposed single storey ground floor extension projecting 3.72m from the outer face of the existing rear wall, with a m…

SK102026-06-01

Granted

Retrospective application for installation of 2.4m high security fence to part of the north boundary to complete the security perimeter.

WA162026-06-01

Consent for wrks in TPO with conditions

Reduction back to shared boundary of overhanging branches from trees located within W1 of the original Order.

SK122026-06-01

Granted

Listed Building Consent for installation of new security gates to driveway entrance

WA162026-05-18

Refused

Installation of a boundary fence around additional land purchased to the rear of the garden of the property.

CW122026-05-18

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

Get my report — £9

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 Cheshire East. For personalised approval odds and nearby comparables, get the full report above.

Free 2-min check

Related guides

Driveway

Porch

GPDO Class D

Outbuilding / garden building

GPDO Class E

All guides