Planning · 7 min
How high can composite fencing be? A straightforward homeowner guide
Quick answer
In England, a new or altered fence, wall or gate will commonly need planning permission if it exceeds one metre beside a highway used by vehicles, or two metres elsewhere. Listed buildings, planning conditions, Article 4 directions and conservation-area rules can change that position.
ALFA FORMA homeowner guide · Updated 26 September 2026
The one-metre highway threshold
The Planning Portal says permission is normally required when a fence, wall or gate beside a highway used by vehicles, or the footpath of that highway, would exceed one metre from ground level.
The two-metre threshold elsewhere
Away from that highway condition, the usual permitted height limit is two metres from ground level. Changes in ground level can affect how height is understood, so site context matters.
Existing higher boundaries
An existing fence, wall or gate that already exceeds the usual threshold can generally be maintained or altered without permission only where its height is not increased and the other permitted-development conditions are met.
Listed buildings and conservation areas
Different controls may apply to listed buildings, their curtilage, boundaries shared with listed property and demolition within conservation areas. These situations deserve an early check rather than an assumption.
Planning conditions and Article 4 directions
Previous planning permissions or an Article 4 direction can remove normal permitted-development rights. Your local planning authority can confirm whether a property-specific restriction applies.
What to prepare before asking
Have the property address, boundary position, proposed height, photographs and a simple sketch ready. That makes it easier for the planning authority or a planning professional to give relevant guidance.
Official sources
Guidance can change and property circumstances differ. These official pages were checked when this guide was updated:
Continue planning your project
This guide is general homeowner information, not legal or site-specific safety advice. We will confirm the important planning, structural and powered-gate details for your property before work begins.