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 Southwark: Planning Permission Guide

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

Check if your fence, wall or gate qualifies

Fence, wall or gates in Southwark at a glance

£258

application fee

weeks typical

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 portal Pre-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

Adjustments to the size and position of two existing rooflights on the main front roof slope; works to the front garden to form a small y…

SE222026-03-04

Granted

Erection of cycle and refuse store within the front garden following removal of front boundary wall, including minor associated landscaping

SE222026-02-23

Granted

Replacement of existing vehicle gate and additional pedestrian gate in the front garden.

SE242026-01-12

Granted

Rebuilding of single storey front section of house, filling in front indent and rebuild with new wall to courtyard and new roof with elev…

SE212025-12-15

Granted

Installation of AC condenser unit onto the external rear wall of the flat.

SE112025-11-28

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 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.

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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

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Related guides

Driveway

Porch

GPDO Class D

Outbuilding / garden building

GPDO Class E

All guides