Height restrictions to ownership: Garden fence rules to know in the UK

Lisa Joyner

5 March 2025 at 5:24 am·3-min read

english back garden in the middle of summer — A quick guide to garden fence laws Alphotographic - Getty Images

Garden fences define property boundaries and provide security, but the rules surrounding them are not as simple as you might think.

Whether you've just moved into a new home or are unsure which side of the fence is yours, it's worth taking the time to get clued up on garden laws in the UK. Keep reading for everything you need to know about UK fence laws, including planning permission requirements and height restrictions.

How do you know who owns the fence?

Determining fence ownership is no easy feat, but one of the easiest ways is to look at the title plans of your home — or contact the Land Registry.

"Fence ownership is an important factor. While property deeds or title plans often indicate responsibility, the Land Registry provides the most accurate information," an expert from Jacksons Fencing tells Country Living.

"Contrary to common belief, each property has no designated side of the fence. The only way to know for certain who owns what side is to refer to the Title Plan or Land Registry. The 'T' mark indicates ownership, while an 'H' mark means the fence is shared and both parties are responsible.

"In some cases, boundary records may be outdated, especially if modifications have been made over time or if neighbours have unknowingly used your land. If you suspect an incorrect boundary, checking the Land Registry is recommended."

garden fence with flowering shrubs — Kinga Krzeminska - Getty Images

How high can a garden fence be?

In the UK, the maximum height for a garden fence is two metres (6.5 feet) in the back garden. In the front garden, this is 1 metre (3.2 feet). You will need to apply for planning permission if your fence exceeds this height.

"When installing or replacing a fence in the UK, homeowners must follow key regulations," say the team at Jacksons Fencing.

"The maximum fence height without planning permission is 2 metres (unless it is next to a highway); however, individual local authorities may have different rules, so we advise contacting your local authority to confirm if you are unsure."

You will also need planning permission if your house is next to a listed building. If your neighbours' fence is too high, you can report the issue to your local council.

garden fence in the uk — Catherine Falls Commercial - Getty Images

Which way should fence rails face?

Usually, most codes require that the 'smooth' side faces your neighbours. According to Jackson Fencing, this adds a layer of security to your garden, as there are no rails on the outside of the property that could be used to climb.

"This is usually repeated with the neighbour on the other side to ensure that each home has a 'good' and a 'bad' side of the fence. However, keep in mind there is no legal requirement to position fence rails in a specific direction, it's purely a security and aesthetic consideration."

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Height restrictions to ownership: Garden fence rules to know in the UK

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