Do I Need Planning Permission for a Fence in Devon?

Putting up a new fence feels like it should be simple, but planning rules still apply. The good news is that most garden fences in Devon don't need planning permission at all. The catch is that a few situations change the rules completely, and getting it wrong can mean taking a brand-new fence down. Here's what homeowners in Exeter and South Devon need to know before building a new fence.

The basic rule: 2 metres

In England, most fences, walls and gates fall under "permitted development". That means you can build them without applying for planning permission, as long as you stay within certain limits. For most gardens, the key limit is height: a fence can be up to 2 metres high without planning permission.

That covers the standard 1.8m (6ft) garden fence most people choose for back gardens. It also covers a 1.8m fence with a short trellis topper, as long as the total height stays at 2 metres or less.

The front garden rule: 1 metre next to a road

The limit drops to 1 metre if the fence is next to a highway used by vehicles, or next to the footpath of that highway. In practice, this usually affects front garden fences and the side boundaries of corner plots.

So if you want a tall privacy fence along the front of your house beside the road, you'll normally need planning permission. A low picket fence or metal railings under 1 metre usually won't need it.

Trellis counts towards the height

A common mistake is assuming trellis doesn't count. It does. The height is measured for the whole structure, so a 1.8m fence with 300mm of trellis on top is 2.1m tall and would normally need permission. If you want extra screening, keep the total at 2 metres. Our custom fencing designs can often give you more privacy within the limit, using slatted screens or careful positioning.

When the rules are stricter

Permitted development doesn't apply the same way everywhere. You may need planning permission or other consent for even a modest fence if:

• Your home is a listed building, or the fence would be within its grounds. Listed building consent may be needed even for small changes.
• You live in a conservation area. Some conservation areas have Article 4 directions that remove permitted development rights, including for fences and walls. Exeter, Topsham and Sidmouth all have conservation areas, so check if your home is in one.
• You live on a newer estate. Many new-build developments around Exeter, Cullompton and Newton Abbot have planning conditions that remove permitted development rights. This is often to keep front gardens open-plan. Your title deeds may also include covenants about fences, separate from planning.
• The fence would block a driver's view at a junction or driveway exit, creating a safety issue.

If in doubt, check with your local council before you build. For Exeter and Topsham, that's Exeter City Council. Exmouth and Sidmouth fall under East Devon District Council, and Teignmouth, Dawlish and Newton Abbot under Teignbridge District Council. Tiverton, Crediton and Cullompton come under Mid Devon District Council, and Torquay, Paignton and Brixham under Torbay Council.

What about hedges?

Hedges aren't covered by the same height limits as fences, so you can plant a hedge as a boundary without planning permission. However, very tall evergreen hedges can become the subject of a "high hedge" complaint from neighbours. It's worth keeping them trimmed to a reasonable height.

What if I've already built a fence that's too high?

If you build a fence that breaks the rules and someone complains, the council can ask you to apply for retrospective planning permission. If that's refused, you may be told to lower or remove it. It's far easier and cheaper to check first. If you'd like certainty, you can apply to your council for a Lawful Development Certificate, which confirms that a proposed fence doesn't need planning permission.

Other things to check before you build

Planning is only one part of the picture. Before any new fence goes up, it's worth:

• Confirming the boundary line and ownership. Our guide on which side of the fence is yours explains how to check your deeds.
• Talking to your neighbours. Even when you don't need permission, a quick chat avoids most disputes.
• Choosing the right fence for your site. On exposed coastal plots, the design matters as much as the height.
• Getting a clear quote. Our guide to what a new fence costs breaks down typical prices.

Let us check it for you

At J&J Contractors, we install fencing and boundaries for homes across Exeter, Sidmouth, Torquay and the rest of South Devon. During your free site visit, we'll flag anything that might need planning permission before we quote, so there are no nasty surprises later. Every fence we build is backed by our 10-year written guarantee. Call 07476 554105 to arrange your free quote.