Fence, wall or gate in Exeter: Planning Permission Guide

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

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Fence, wall or gates in Exeter at a glance

98%

approved

£548

application fee

8

weeks typical

Based on 43 decided applications in Exeter over 12 months (42 granted, 1 refused).

Exeter has 20 conservation areas affecting external alterations in those zones. A small number (1) of Article 4 directions apply. 995 listed buildings recorded.

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

Recent fence, wall or gate decisions in Exeter

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

Was lawful use

Certificate of Lawfulness for proposal to remove the existing external stairs, sliding front sliding doors and recess entrance door to in…

EX42026-05-28
Granted

Discharge condition 29 (Landscape and Habitat Management Strategy) of planning permission 11/1291/OUT - Development of up to 700 dwelling…

2026-05-28
Granted

T1 Plum tree. This is an old tree around 10 metres tall, in very poor condition. It has lost a couple of branches over the past few years…

EX42026-05-19
Granted

The proposed amendment seeks to revise the external material finishes of the approved dwelling. The aluminium doors and windows, with the…

EX12026-04-27
Granted

External decoration, window replacements, internal repairs to floor & walls

EX22026-04-09

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 South 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 gateSouth West England

Typical total

£900£4,500

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

Just want a quick yes/no for your fence, wall or gate?

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