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.

Fence, wall or gate in Enfield: Planning Permission Guide

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

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Fence, wall or gates in Enfield at a glance

90%

approved

weeks typical

Based on 116 decided applications in Enfield over 12 months (104 granted, 12 refused).

Enfield has Green Belt covering a substantial northern portion of the borough, including Crews Hill, Forty Hall, and Trent Country Park. Conservation areas include Enfield Town, Forty Hill, Winchmore Hill, and Clay Hill. Listed buildings cluster around Forty Hall and Enfield Town. The Lee Valley adds flood zones for eastern riverside properties. Semi-detached and detached housing is more common than in inner London, with correspondingly more PD flexibility on unconstrained plots.

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 Enfield

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

Granted

Installation of a new External Wall Insulation (EWI) system, replacement of all external doors with new, replacement of existing door can…

EN12026-04-01

Granted

Details submitted pursuant to reference 25/01760/FUL: Site investigation- contamination (5) in respect of site alterations to include ele…

EN32026-03-27

Granted

Details submitted pursuant to reference 25/03472/FUL for Tree Planting (13) in respect of the demolition of existing buildings and develo…

EN12026-03-13

Granted

Details submitted pursuant to reference 25/03472/FUL for Biodiversity Gain Plan Informative in respect of the demolition of existing buil…

EN12026-03-06

Granted

Removal of existing vehicle barrier and bollards with installation of new vehicular and pedestrian gate with fence and bollards.

EN12026-03-05

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.

Get a personalised cost estimate based on your actual fence, wall or gate dimensions.

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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?

Run our free 2-minute check to see whether your project likely qualifies as permitted development in Enfield. For personalised approval odds and nearby comparables, get the full report above.

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Related guides

Driveway

Porch

GPDO Class D

Outbuilding / garden building

GPDO Class E

All guides