Boundary Walls/Fences - Any Builders in the know?

[Jozza]

Hi all,

Thought i would try the knowledge base of the NSC!

Got a concrete block boundary wall, just short of 10ft having it removed and replaced with a fence because it is dangerous (crumbling in places etc)

Our neighbours garden is starts 4ft higher than ours as we are on a hill so we will need to build a retaining wall before the fence can go up. My question is the legislation for height is about 2meters (6.6ft) before planning permission. Now would that be applied to our side as its in out boundary or could it be applied to theirs?

So could we build a 4ft wall then add a 2m fence without any problems?

Thanks

 

[Jozza]

to be clear its 10ft high and 80ft long

 

[sully]

Ignore me. I didn't read the post properly. Fancy mixing your units! Tut tut.

 

[HAILSHAM SEAGULL]

You are replacing it the same height as it was before, so shouldnt be a problem

 

[sully]

You need a planning expert to answer the question, not a builder!
I think that 6 foot is the allowed height, but may be wrong. Also, from previous dealings with the local council, I don't recall needing formal permission for a fence, just a letter confirming it wasn't necessary!
Speak to your neighbour first. If the fence is between your properties, nobody else is likely to alert the council anyway.

 

[Superphil]

6' (1.8m) is only allowed with planning permission if the fence/wall faces a public highway (any road). That's the dilema I have now, I want to take down a 2.4m hedge and replace it with a 1.8m fence, to do that I have to have planning permission as, whilst the hedge runs down the side of my property, it faces a public road.

 

[Triggaaar]

It's 2m, not 6 feet. I would assume it's 2m from the land it's built on, regardless of whether the neighbour is higher or lower (because I've read the legislation before and don't recall it being as complicated as to go into details of whose land is highest), but that's a guess.

If the fence is between your properties, nobody else is likely to alert the council anyway.

I agree with this. Even if it's replacing an existing wall you would need PP if it's over 2m. Having an existing wall just makes getting PP easier, but you still have to pay for it.
EDIT - if it's repairing, improving etc, you're ok:
"You will not need to apply for planning permission to take down a fence, wall,or gate, or to alter, maintain or improve an existing fence, wall or gate (no matter how high) if you don't increase its height"

See here: Planning Portal - Fences, gates and garden walls

If in your case you should get PP, you might be able to avoid that if it's just between you and the neighbour = can you get an agreement from your neighbour in writing (and vice versa if applicable) before doing the work. And who is paying for the new wall?

 

[Titus]

Planning Portal - Fences, gates and garden walls

 

[HAILSHAM SEAGULL]

Read the Planning Portal/ Fences. You dont need permission if you dont increase the existing height.
If you build it only 6 ft high, it will be dangerous to your neighbour because his side of the fence will only be 2 ft high.

 

[Jozza]

Thanks all

Spoke to the neighbour she isnt really happy with the wall being removed at all and being replaced with a fence but its dangerous and we have a 16month old running around so we going ahead anyway. I think her main concern is the height as she doesnt want for us to look in or for her to see us (her words). The wall has been there for 20 years but has been repaire dtwice and we have a supporting pillar in our garden keeping it up!

The deeds state that its our boundary wall so we are just going to foot the bill as we want it changed.

Wont be going higher than the original wall so presume this is all ok

 

[deletebeepbeepbeep]

Might want to get some advice with a party wall expert/surveyor in case the neighbour gets shirty.

 

[Lush]

So I asked my neighbour if it was OK to build a party wall. She said as long as you stop before midnight.

Might sell that one to Tim Vine.

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

So I asked my neighbour if it was OK to build a party wall. She said as long as you stop before midnight.

Boom-boom.

I thank you.