Whether you are completing a redesign of your garden or just looking to upgrade to a new fence in your Dorset home, considering if you need planning permission is often not a thought. After all, they are only setting boundaries for your property, and everyone has them.

However, there are some instances when planning permission might be required for your garden fence.

Over our 60 years in the industry, we have kept a keen eye on planning permissions and regulations, ensuring that we provide the most up-to-date advice and guidance when working with you on your home. In this article, we share the current criteria for when you do and don’t need planning permission for a new fence in Dorset.

When Do You Need Planning Permission For A New Fence?

There are several instances when you will need to get planning permission for your new fence. These include:

  • If the fence height exceeds 2 metres (6.5ft) above ground level. Note that this includes any trellis that you are adding to the top.
  • If you live next to a public route for vehicles or pedestrians
  • If your house is a listed building or is associated with land or another building that is listed.

It is worth noting that different councils may require planning permission for different height fences, so it is always good practice to double-check with your local council whether you need planning permission for your new fence.

Adding Trellis And Planning Permission

If you are planning to add a trellis to your new fence, then you will need to include it when you measure the height.

To avoid needing planning permission, the height of the fence and trellis combined must be 2 metres or below. You will then need to acquire planning permission if you are opting for a fence and trellis above that height.

Once again, the height regulations of trellis and fences can vary from location to location, so we advise you to check with your local council before putting up the new fence.

Article 4 Directions

Article 4 Directions allow local authorities to remove permitted development rights from areas where they deem it necessary. This directive is to try and protect local amenities and the well-being of an area.

These directions can restrict the development rights you have and may require you to apply for planning permission to add or replace a garden fence.

You can find out where there are Article 4 Directions in Dorset here.

When Don’t You Need Planning Permission For A New Fence?

The reality is that for most new fence installations, you won’t need planning permission. You don’t require any permission to remove a fence, fence post, wall or gate as long as it is on your land and so long as the new fence is within the 2-metre height restriction.

However, if the fence is marking a boundary line that you share with a neighbour, it might be worth notifying them of your intentions.

If you aren’t sure whether the fence is yours, you can usually determine it by checking the deeds of the property. As a general rule of thumb, the fence posts are usually positioned on the owner’s land, so if you have the posts and, therefore, the back of the fence, it is likely to be yours.

Work With Fletchamoore For Your New Fence

The team at Fletchamoore know that fencing can have a big impact on your garden, turning it into a private, secure space to enjoy.

With our years of experience, we can help you navigate any permissions and regulations that you will need to comply with so you can be confident that you won’t get into trouble with your new fence.

Based in Poole, our teams can install new fences across Dorset, including Sturminster Newton, Shaftesbury, Wareham and Dorchester.

We are also specialists in patio, paving and turfing, so if you are redesigning or landscaping your garden, we can help you with the project as a whole, reducing the number of contractors you will need to work with.

Get in touch with us to discuss our services by calling 01202 624900 or completing our contact form.