Planning permission

There are laws (planning regulations) that can restrict changes you want to make to the outside of your home, such as building walls and fences. Be aware that you might need to apply for planning permission.

• Do you live in a listed building or has your council removed your ‘permitted development rights' (your rights to carry out limited development without applying for planning permission)? If not, you can build a fence or boundary wall up to one metre high where it will be next to a road or footpath, or up to 2 metres high elsewhere. These height limits include any barbed or razor wire you put up
• If you use barbed or razor wire, you must take precautions to prevent injuring other people by dangers your property may cause (under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1984)
• If you are building a wall on the boundary with your neighbour, you may need your neighbour's permission (under the Party Wall Act). If you live on an estate, where there are restrictions in force, you may need to get special permission

For more information:

If you are not sure whether you need to apply for planning permission, you should contact the planning department of your council. To find your local council, go to the Direct Gov Council A-Z