Overview

• From May 2025, rear garden fences may reach up to two metres without planning permission while front fences bordering public spaces are capped at one metre
• Homeowners must confirm with their local planning authority whether proposed fence alterations require formal approval to prevent enforcement action
• Unapproved work that creates a statutory nuisance such as flooding or blocked drains can lead to fines up to £5,000 for residences and £20,000 for businesses
• Property deeds and title documents determine which neighbour is responsible for fence maintenance and replacement
• Experts warn that boundary disputes are common and recommend securing written neighbour agreements and registering them with HM Land Registry