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 Greater Manchester typically range between £800 and £4,000, 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 Wigan: Planning Permission Guide

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

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Fence, wall or gates in Wigan at a glance

89%

approved

weeks typical

Based on 37 decided applications in Wigan over 12 months (33 granted, 4 refused).

Wigan has conservation areas including Wigan Town Centre, Standish, Haigh, and Ashton-in-Makerfield. Listed buildings cluster around Haigh Hall, Wigan Parish Church, and the 19th-century coal and textile heritage. The borough has substantial Green Belt across the east and south. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal corridor adds heritage considerations. Flood zones apply along the Douglas valley. Much of the borough is former mining terrace housing and post-war suburban development.

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 Wigan

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

Granted

Brick and railing boundary wall with sliding vehicular gates, pedestrian gate and creation of permanent vehicular footpath crossing

WA32026-04-08

Granted

Erection of 2.4m high external fencing and gates

WN42026-03-19

Granted

T1 (Maple) Fell due to residue dropping onto new vehicles T2 (Maple) Fell due to residue dropping onto new vehicles T3 (Ginkgo) ??? Crown…

WN32026-03-19

Granted

Erection of 2m high concrete post and timber panel boundary fence following removal of hedge and fence

WN72026-03-17

Granted

T1 Large multi stem Sycamore crown reduce house side by 2metres, height and spread, crown reduce Garden Street side 2.5metres in height a…

M292026-03-16

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 Greater Manchester

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

Fence, wall or gateGreater Manchester

Typical total

£800–£4,000

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.

Check if your property is in a conservation area or has other planning constraints.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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