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 Wirral: Planning Permission Guide

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

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Fence, wall or gates in Wirral at a glance

67%

approved

£258

application fee

weeks typical

Based on 24 decided applications in Wirral over 12 months (16 granted, 8 refused).

Wirral has conservation areas including Birkenhead Park (Britain's first publicly-funded park and a model for New York's Central Park), Hamilton Square, West Kirby, Hoylake, and Port Sunlight (a Grade II* listed model village with exceptionally strict design controls). Listed building density is very high in Port Sunlight and Hamilton Square. Coastal sections have AONB considerations around the Dee Estuary. Conservation enforcement is notably strict in Port Sunlight.

Council planning portal Pre-application advice

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Recent fence, wall or gate decisions in Wirral

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

Granted

Installation of a replacement base station comprising a 30m lattice mast hosting antennas and transmission dishes, with ground based equi…

CH452026-03-23

Granted

56 metres in length of new palisade metal fencing to enclose area in conjunction with community centre. 1.8m high and enclosing an area …

CH622026-03-23

Granted

Demolition of existing substation and the carrying out of public realm works to create a footway / cycleway, associated remediation, and …

CH412026-03-23

Granted

Changes to elevations to include replacement drive thru booths with a small extension, the formation of new access doors and walls and in…

CH412026-03-09

Granted

Alteration of vehicular access including extension of dropped kerb, vehicular crossing and driveway. The works involve the partial remova…

CH482026-03-09

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.

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 Wirral. 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