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 Merton: Planning Permission Guide

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

Check if your fence, wall or gate qualifies

Fence, wall or gates in Merton at a glance

92%

approved

£258

application fee

weeks typical

Based on 71 decided applications in Merton over 12 months (65 granted, 6 refused).

Merton has conservation areas including Wimbledon Village, Wimbledon Common, Mitcham Cricket Green, and Cannizaro Park. Listed buildings cluster around Wimbledon Common and Merton Abbey Mills. Wimbledon Common is Metropolitan Common Land with its own byelaws near the edges. Article 4 Directions cover parts of Wimbledon Village. The borough has a mix of affluent Edwardian housing around Wimbledon and Victorian terrace stock in Mitcham and Colliers Wood.

Council planning portal Pre-application advice

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 Merton

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

Tree Work Application Not Determined In 6 Weeks

T1 2 x Lime on left hand boundary - Fell to ground level. - Treat stumps to prevent regrowth. Complaints from neighbour relating to …

SW192026-04-05

Granted

T2 of TPO142 - to laterally reduce by up to 3m branches that are encroaching on neighbouring properties over fence up to a height of 4m. …

CR42026-03-29

Granted

T1 Oak, located at the far end of the garden (3m from boundary with Langdon Road) 20% crown reduction and 20% crown thinning

SM42026-03-23

Granted

APPLICATION FOR DISCHARGE OF CONDITION 3 (BOUNDARY TREATMENT), 4 (REFUSE AND RECYCLING), 7 (LANDSCAPING) AND 8 (CYCLE PARKING) ATTACHED T…

SW192026-03-23

Withdrawn

REPOLLARD A GROUP OF POLLARDED TREES LOCATED WITHIN HEDGE, FRONT GARDEN ALONG BOUNDARY WALL. REMOVAL OF 1NO SYCAMORE TREE, ADJACENT TO …

SW192026-03-23

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 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.

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 Merton. 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