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 East England typically range between £950 and £4,700, 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 West Berkshire: Planning Permission Guide

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

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Fence, wall or gates in West Berkshire at a glance

100%

approved

£548

application fee

weeks typical

Based on 32 decided applications in West Berkshire over 12 months (32 granted, 0 refused).

West Berkshire includes or borders the North Wessex Downs AONB — properties in or near those areas are on Article 1(5) land where permitted-development rights are restricted. West Berkshire has 51 conservation areas — extensive heritage coverage restricting external alterations across many streets. 9 Article 4 directions affect specific streets. 3,797 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 West Berkshire

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

Granted

Replace existing boundary fence of 1370mm to new fence (and gates) 1980mm high

RG312026-05-20

Granted

Repairs to front boundary brick wall, and installation of metal railing with additional brick supports.

RG202026-05-11

Granted

Erection of new fence along the boundary next to Haw Lane (B4009).2m high, close board fence with concrete posts and gravel boards.

RG182026-04-16

Granted

Minor works comprising the following: 1. Alteration of a window and addition of a Juillette balcony at first floor level to the north ele…

RG172026-03-25

Granted

Removing the glass section of the existing conservatory and replace with a cavity wall with double glazed bi-fold doors and a high level …

RG72026-03-12

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 South East 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 East England

Typical total

£950–£4,700

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.

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?

Run our free 2-minute check to see whether your project likely qualifies as permitted development in West Berkshire. 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