Did you know that the UK has laws regarding fences? The aptly named ‘garden fence law’ is worth knowing, as you could be taken to court if your fence doesn’t comply with the garden fencing rules.
Garden fencing rules are fairly straightforward, but may vary. Check your mortgage deeds or Land Registry documents to find out the specifics.
How to Comply With the Garden Fence Law
Let’s get one thing straight right away: everyone doesn’t legally need to have a garden fence. However, there are some situations were you do need to have one. This would be if you live near a railway, mine, quarry or field containing livestock.
This is where your deeds come in handy, as they’ll dictate exactly what the specific garden fence law for your property is. You might consider adding a garden fence anyway for their multiple benefits. Trespassers will be less likely to access your property and your garden will be a safe place for pets and children.
Make Sure You Know Who the Fence Belongs To
There’s a strange misconception that suggests you’re the owner of the fence on the right hand side of your house. This is incorrect. You’ll need to check the deeds to find out exactly who the fence belongs to. The deeds may not give you this information, in which case you should find it in the Seller’s Property Information.
Put Up Your Fence in Your Boundary
If you know where the boundary of your property lies, make sure you check it before putting any new fences up. Garden fencing rules state that you can only build on the land that you own. You might cause considerable upset to your neighbours if you build on their property, and the dispute could go to the courtroom. If you’re really not sure where your boundary is, speak to a lawyer.
Don’t Mess With the Neighbours
If your neighbours fence is leaning over into your boundary, unfortunately it is still their legal property. You’re not permitted to maintain or repair their fence without their permission. Annoyingly, they don’t have to fix the fence, even if you ask. Your options are pretty limited, but there’s nothing to stop you from buying some garden ornaments to prop the fence up a bit.
If your neighbour puts up a new fence, then the garden fencing rules only state it’s ‘neighbourhood courtesy’ to inform you. If it’s in their boundary, there’s nothing you can do about it. When the fence is on the shared boundary, you should both agree on it and split the cost equally.
Don’t Go Too Tall
The garden fencing rules allow you to fit a back garden fence of up to 2 metres high. Anything higher will require planning permission. Trellis above this height will also require permission. If you’ve got plants growing on top of your fence, this is fine.
The front garden is allowed to be only 1.2 metres high, but the same rules apply as before. If you want something higher, you’ll need to apply for planning permission.
Call Two Brothers Maintenance Now For Your New Garden Fence
Two Brothers supply quality fencing in Birmingham and the surrounding areas. We have extensive knowledge of garden fencing rules and can help you define your boundary before installing your new fence. Our products are long-lasting and we install fences for commercial and residential clients in a range of settings. Call us now for a free, no-obligation quote.
