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 Plymouth: Planning Permission Guide

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

Check if your fence, wall or gate qualifies

Fence, wall or gates in Plymouth at a glance

89%

approved

£548

application fee

weeks typical

Based on 27 decided applications in Plymouth over 12 months (24 granted, 3 refused).

Plymouth borders or partially overlaps Dartmoor National Park, the South Devon and Tamar Valley AONBs, and the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site — properties near those boundaries are on Article 1(5) land where permitted-development rights are restricted. Plymouth has 15 conservation areas affecting external alterations in those zones. A small number (1) of Article 4 directions apply. 1,529 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 Plymouth

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

Granted

Proposed parking and turning area on garden including new access to highway and boundary treatments

PL72026-05-18

Granted

Installation of EV charger to front exterior wall to facilitate pavement channel charging

PL12026-05-05

Issue lawful certificate (Proposed)

Replacement of existing conservatory (retain substructure walls and foundations) with solid walls and roof

PL62026-04-23

Granted

Construction of 2No. Brick Pillars and a pair of wooden gates

PL72026-04-14

Granted

Retention of close boarded boundary timber fence to enclose raised side garden (retrospective)

PL62026-04-14

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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Related guides

Driveway

Porch

GPDO Class D

Outbuilding / garden building

GPDO Class E

All guides