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 between £1,000 and £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.

Project guideGPDO Class A (Part 2)

Fence, wall or gate in Westminster: Planning Permission Guide

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

87%

approved in Westminster

£548

application fee

8 wks

typical decision

1–2m

PD height

Based on 156 decided applications in Westminster over 12 months (135 granted, 21 refused).

The City of Westminster has the densest concentration of conservation areas and listed buildings in the UK, covering almost the entire borough. Article 4 Directions layer on top of this in many areas, restricting virtually any external alteration. Listed building consent is required frequently in addition to planning permission. The council's design expectations are among the most stringent in the country — professional planning advice is essential.

Council planning portal Pre-application advice

Local data PD rules Costs Professionals Constraints FAQs

Will yours qualify?

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Recent fence, wall or gate decisions in Westminster

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

Granted

Details of external metalwork including the gates and screens to the ground floor of the new Arlington Street façade pursuant to Conditio…

W1J2026-10-08

Granted

Details of all new windows and external doors, new railings, new metal steps and new fences pursuant to condition 3 of planning permissio…

SW1W2026-10-07

Granted

Replacement of an air conditioning unit to lightwell wall at fourth floor level to north west side of building.

WC2N2026-10-06

Granted

Removal and alteration of existing modern partitions, finishes, fittings and services where required to facilitate the proposed office la…

W1S2026-10-06

Granted

Detailed drawings of Front entrance gates and railings; main entrance door and the doorcase surrounding the main entrance door to ground …

NW82026-10-06

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?

Run our free 2-minute check to see whether your project likely qualifies as permitted development in Westminster — your address, your constraints, your council's own recent decisions.

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Related guides

Driveway

Porch

GPDO Class D

Outbuilding / garden building

GPDO Class E

All guides