Fence rules, in plain English
Fence heights, planning permission and boundaries for Worthing and nearby.
How high can a fence be?
Under the national permitted development rules for England, you can usually put up or replace a fence, wall or gate without planning permission if it stays within these heights:
| Where | Normal limit without permission |
|---|---|
| Back and side gardens | 2m |
| Next to a road used by vehicles, or the pavement beside it | 1m |
| Replacing an existing fence | Its existing height, or the limit above, whichever is higher |
Height is measured from the ground next to the fence, and trellis or anything fixed on top counts towards it.
Who owns the fence?
- There is no general rule that you own the left or right hand fence
- Your deeds or Land Registry title plan may show who is responsible, sometimes with a T mark on the boundary
- Title plans show general boundaries only, not the exact line
- If a fence is shared or ownership is unclear, agree the work with your neighbour before you start
Being a good neighbour
- Tell your neighbour before work starts, especially if the fencer needs access from their side
- Keep the new fence on the same line as the old one
- Check for plants, sheds or structures against the fence on their side
Visibility near driveways
A tall fence right beside a driveway can hide people on the pavement as you pull out. Keeping the fence lower, or stepping it down near the driveway, makes it safer for everyone.
Questions
What is the 2m fence rule?
In England you can normally put up a fence, wall or gate up to 2m high without planning permission, as long as it is not next to a road used by vehicles or the pavement beside one. There the limit is 1m.
Does trellis on top count towards the height?
Yes. The height is the total, including any trellis, so 1.8m of fence with 0.3m of trellis on top is 2.1m and normally needs planning permission.
Which side of the fence should face my neighbour?
It is a convention, not a law, that the finished side faces outwards. It is still a good idea to discuss it with your neighbour first.
Can I replace an old fence that is already over 2m?
Normally you can replace or repair a fence at its existing height without planning permission, as long as you do not make it higher than it was.