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 Ealing: Planning Permission Guide

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

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Fence, wall or gates in Ealing at a glance

85%

approved

£258

application fee

weeks typical

Based on 95 decided applications in Ealing over 12 months (81 granted, 14 refused).

Ealing has over 30 conservation areas including Bedford Park — England's first garden suburb, with notoriously strict design controls — plus Ealing Common, Hanwell, Northfields, and Walpole. Listed building density is high in Bedford Park. Article 4 Directions restrict external changes in Bedford Park and other heritage areas, targeting window replacements and external alterations. The council's conservation enforcement is consistently active.

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 Ealing

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

Granted

Formation of vehicle crossover including installation of a dropped kerb and removal of the front boundary wall

UB62026-04-01

Granted

Details of external artificial lighting pursuant to condition 30 of planning permission reference 243098VAR dated 08/11/2024 for: Minor m…

UB52026-03-23

Granted

Application for a Non-Material Amendment in (S96a) to amend conditions 2, 15, 19, 33 and 60 of planning permission reference 181380FUL da…

UB22026-03-20

Granted

Part-retrospective application for the retention of the existing front wall and railings (in a modified form)

W72026-03-18

Granted

Details of a Green Travel Plan pursuant to condition 11 of planning application reference: 181380FUL dated 22/12/2021 for the: Demolition…

UB22026-03-12

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.

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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