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 South West England typically range between £900 and £4,500, 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 Gloucester: Planning Permission Guide

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

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Fence, wall or gates in Gloucester at a glance

74%

approved *

£548

application fee

weeks typical

Based on 19 decided applications in Gloucester over 12 months (14 granted, 5 refused). * Limited data — treat as indicative.

Gloucester borders or partially overlaps the Cotswolds AONB — properties near those boundaries are on Article 1(5) land where permitted-development rights are restricted. Gloucester has 14 conservation areas affecting external alterations in those zones. 55 Article 4 directions are in force — pre-application advice strongly recommended before any external work. 954 listed buildings recorded.

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 Gloucester

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

Granted

Vehicle Drop Kerb application and installation of new boundary fencing. This work was completed on 2/12/25.

GL42026-04-27

Granted

The installation of a new 3rd floor window and new Brise Soleil to the existing curtain walling facade facing Wellington St, Gloucester

2026-04-15

Granted

Siting of 1 no Portacabin and Erection of 1 no Timber Workshop within a Fenced Compound, for Light industrial Class E Use

2026-03-25

Refused

Proposed two storey extension & boundary treatment change - already applied for previously application ref: 22/00397/FUL

GL42026-03-18

Refused

See attached plan and photos.The main element of the request is to reduce down the size of the T6 Lime Tree due to its close proximity to…

GL42026-02-19

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.

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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