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 West Midlands typically range between £800 and £3,900, 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.

Project guideGPDO Class A (Part 2)

Fence, wall or gate in Sandwell: Planning Permission Guide

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

92%

approved in Sandwell

£548

application fee

8 wks

typical decision

1–2m

PD height

Based on 24 decided applications in Sandwell over 12 months (22 granted, 2 refused).

Sandwell has 9 conservation areas and around 422 listed buildings on the national register. Twelve Article 4 direction areas are recorded across the borough, removing permitted-development rights in specific locations — confirm whether your property is covered before relying on PD. There is a small amount of green-belt land at the borough's edges, and parts of the district fall within Environment Agency flood zones, notably along the River Tame. Sandwell is not within any Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Park or World Heritage Site.

Council planning portal

Local data PD rules Costs Professionals Constraints FAQs

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5 nearest comparables & refusal reasons for your address.

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Recent fence, wall or gate decisions in Sandwell

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

Granted

Proposed 2no. internally-illuminated fascia signs, 1no. internally-illuminated flagpole sign, 1no. illuminated poster display, and 3no. w…

DY42026-06-04

Withdrawn

Proposed new driveway with retaining walls, steps and balustrades to front (Lawful Development Certificate)

B692026-05-20

Granted

Proposed restaurant/hot food takeaway unit with drive-thru facilities (Sui Generis), car parking (including EV charging), outdoor seating…

B212026-05-07

Refused

Proposed new boundary fencing to front/side/rear.

B652026-05-07

Granted

Proposed raising of ground levels to create driveway with retaining walls, steps and handrails to front.

B652026-04-07

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 West Midlands

Boundary treatment costs depend on the length, material, and type — timber fencing is cheapest, brick walls are the most expensive.

Fence, wall or gateWest Midlands

Typical total

£800–£3,900

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