Let’s make this simple. For a back or side garden: two metres is your safe zone. For the front garden: one metre. If you live near a road: one metre if it’s within two metres of the highway. If you’re in a conservation area or a listed building: ask someone official, then cry a bit.
How High Can My Garden Fence Be? • Barnard Fencing
But here’s the real pro tip: be a good neighbour. Even if you can legally build a three-metre monstrosity (with permission), consider how it looks from their side. A fence shouldn’t block their sunlight completely or turn their garden into a wind tunnel. I’ve seen people fall out over a six-inch height difference. Six inches. That’s smaller than a loaf of bread. Don’t be that person.
And if you’re feeling cheeky? You can always build a fence that’s two metres high, then plant a hedge on top. Hedges aren’t bound by the same rules—they’re like the rebels of the garden world. Just check if the hedge is evergreen, or you’ll have a skeleton fence in winter. Trust me, that’s not the look you’re going for.
So, grab your spade, measure twice, and maybe buy your neighbours a bottle of wine before you start digging. It’s cheaper than a planning application. And if all else fails, just move to Scotland. Their fences are very tall up there. Cheers.
