Project guideGPDO Class A (Part 2)

Fence, wall or gate in Southwark: Planning Permission Guide

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

98%
approved in Southwark
£548
application fee
8 wks
typical decision
1–2m
PD height

Based on 193 decided applications in Southwark over 12 months (189 granted, 4 refused).

Southwark has numerous conservation areas including Borough, Bermondsey, Dulwich Village, Herne Hill, and Peckham Rye. Dulwich Village has a unique Dulwich Estate Scheme of Management layering private controls over standard planning. Article 4 Directions cover many Victorian terraces. Listed buildings are concentrated along the Thames frontage and around Southwark Cathedral. Flood zones apply near the river.

Council planning portalPre-application advice

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Recent fence, wall or gate decisions in Southwark

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

Granted

Listed building consent for Installation of 14x resin wall anchors for lighting installation

SE12026-10-06
Granted

Listed Building Consent to install an electric vehicle charger on an exterior wall of the property.

SE12026-10-01
Granted

The proposed relocation and upgrade of a 35.3m lattice mast, supporting 18 no. antennas, 6 no. dishes, 5 no. ground based cabinets and 13…

SE222026-10-01
Granted

Details of Condition 4 ( Lime Centre Analysis) as required by full planning permission 26/AP/0624 dated 28/04/2026 for Listed Building Co…

SE12026-09-24
Granted

Details of Condition 3 Method Statement as required by full planning permission 26/AP/0624 dated 28/04/2026 for Listed Building Consent L…

SE12026-09-24

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.

Enter your postcode to see the personalised limits for your fence, wall or gate.

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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.

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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.

Find out exactly which professionals you need for your fence, wall or gate.

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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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