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 East of 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 South Cambridgeshire: Planning Permission Guide

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

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Fence, wall or gates in South Cambridgeshire at a glance

97%

approved

£548

application fee

weeks typical

Based on 36 decided applications in South Cambridgeshire over 12 months (35 granted, 1 refused).

South Cambridgeshire has 85 conservation areas — extensive heritage coverage restricting external alterations across many streets. 9 Article 4 directions affect specific streets. Over 5,000 listed buildings recorded across the borough. South Cambridgeshire planning is run by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service (jointly with Cambridge City).

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 South Cambridgeshire

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

Discharge Condition in Full

Submission of details required by condition 6 (surface water drainage ), 7 (dust mitigation plan), 10 (Piling), 11 (Traffic Management Pl…

CB32026-04-23

Granted

S73 to vary condition 2 (Approved plans) of planning permission 25/03230/FUL (Existing combustible materials contained within external wa…

CB22026-03-25

Granted

Non material amendment on application 24/03964/FUL for amendments to the 1) Removal of all windows along east elevation to Unit 1 at grou…

CB52026-03-24

Granted

External wall cladding to rear, new flashing and new fire breaks.

CB42026-03-24

Have No Objection To

Tag number - 6354 - Ash tree (height 14-18m, stem diameter 750mm, mature, poor condition, defect crown - dieback)- Fell to waist height o…

CB252026-03-12

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 East of England

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

Fence, wall or gateEast of 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.

Get a personalised cost estimate based on your actual fence, wall or gate dimensions.

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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

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 South Cambridgeshire. For personalised approval odds and nearby comparables, get the full report above.

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Related guides

Driveway

Porch

GPDO Class D

Outbuilding / garden building

GPDO Class E

All guides